Health
Standing up for the Kadens
The tragic story of Kaden Reddick and the court case that followed his death is a sad one. But as Reading Council's Katie Heath explains, it provides a strong example of how local authorities have a moral duty to ensure and uphold health and safety.
How councils keep public health top of the agenda
It’s 175 years since England’s first municipal public health official was appointed, so how are local authorities performing at keeping people healthy? Professor Jim McManus takes the long view.
So, what happens when the political calculations around levelling up change?
Recent events threaten to disrupt the flagship levelling up agenda we were told would be nothing short of system change for how the country is governed, says Jessica Studdert.
Gove criticises social housing landlord after ‘severe maladministration’ finding
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove has criticised England's largest social housing landlord after an investigation found it was guilty of ‘severe maladministration’.
Call to deploy legal advisers in council offices
Legal advisers should be deployed in council offices and other public locations to provide access to civil justice, a think-tank has argued.
Post-pandemic planning for the core cities
Chief executives and directors from the UK’s biggest cities debated their challenges and opportunities in a round table discussion organised by Core Cities UK and The MJ, supported by BT. Paul Marinko reports.
Arithmetic matters
The new director of IPPR North, Zoë Billingham, speaks to Ann McGauran about taking on the role at a time of political and economic turmoil, and gives her verdict on how the Government’s flagship levelling up policy is shaping up.
Council leaders urge GPs to prescribe leisure centre trips
Council leaders have urged GPs to prescribe obese patients classes at leisure centres after research found it could increase life expectancy by four years.
Only 14% trust Government to solve cost of living crisis
Two thirds of people do not have confidence in national politicians to tackle the growing cost of living crisis, according to new polling from think tank New Local.
Call for remote meetings after COVID controversy
Calls for new powers enabling councils to hold remote and hybrid meetings have been renewed after a meeting was aborted over COVID concerns.
Bill passes as intervention powers reined in
The Health and Care Bill has officially received Royal Assent following months of wrangling between the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Better Outcomes, Better Lives in Manchester
Bernadette Enright says Manchester is starting to see the impact of its programme of transformational change for adult social care, including improved outcomes and the ability to reinvest in services
Highways improvement comes top of pre-elections poll
Half of Britons believe the improvement of roads and pavements should be prioritised, according to a new poll ahead of the local elections.
Zero progress on climate but devo can keep things on track
The Levelling Up White Paper’s relative silence on net zero represents a huge missed opportunity – unless the devolution genie is quickly let out of the bottle, writes Grace Newcombe.
A crucial union of business and place
Sir Nigel Wilson says the four-year partnership between Legal & General and the UCL Institute of Health Equity - the Marmot Review for Industry - offers hope for bringing an end to the injustice of health inequality.
We can’t take the pain of dementia away, but we can make it easier
East Hampshire DC's second 'dementia festival' day and its directory aren’t big budget items and aren’t directly providing healthcare – 'but they are directly helping people in our communities', says Gill Kneller.
Extra money for refugee trauma recovery
Refugees minister Lord Harrington has suggested additional funding may be provided to councils to help Ukrainians’ recovery from physical and mental trauma.
Marmot launches health equality report
One of the leading centres for health inequalities research has urged businesses to work with councils and public and third sector organisations to improve people’s wellbeing – and improve productivity.
Future Forum North: Bid funds for levelling up 'isn't working' for coastal communities
The existing approach of bid funding for levelling up isn’t working for coastal communities, a council chief has told Future Forum North (FFN).
Future Forum North: ‘lack of alignment’ in healthcare reforms
A ‘frenzy’ of Government healthcare announcements has resulted in the fragmentation of integration reforms, the Future Forum North has heard.