NHS
‘Unacceptable’ changes sees LGA withdraw support for guidance
The Local Government Association (LGA) has withdrawn its support from the Better Care Fund (BCF) planning requirements – the latest indication of deteriorating relations between the two sectors.
Anger at U-turn over control of social care cash
Council chiefs have pushed back at ministers’ last-minute decision to exert control over how the £2bn cash boost for social care should be spent.
Councillors have not been engaged in STP development
Less than 25% of councillors in England feel that they have been engaged in shaping the NHS’ sustainability and transformation partnerships (STPs), according to a new survey conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA).
Call for mental health impact in council reports
Every council report should detail the potential impact decisions will have on residents’ mental health, a NHS board member has urged.
Directors’ dismay over Hunt’s bed-blocking funding threats
Adult social care directors have been left ‘very disappointed’ after the Government threatened to take away funding from areas that failed to reduce bed-blocking.
Care directors 'disappointed' by funding threat
Adult social care directors have been left ‘very disappointed’ after the Government threatened to take away funding from areas that failed to reduce bed blocking.
Tensions rise as NHS fines 22 councils for bed-blocking
The NHS has fined at least 22 councils for bed-blocking and threatened 11 others with charges amid escalating tensions between health and care.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
Authority defends record over ‘bed-blocking’ claims
The council responsible for the highest number of ‘bed-blocking’ incidents in England says it still ensures that 90% of discharged patients return home immediately.
Let local government be the lead commissioner of health and care
Professor Graeme Betts argues for local government to become the lead commissioner across the health and care system
Croydon's bold and budget-friendly alliance
Health and care integration is a cherished goal among politicians, civil servants and the NHS. Manju Shahul-Hameed explains why a cutting-edge partnership in Croydon now needs government backing to fulfil its potential
Surrey Heartlands in GM-style health devo deal
A Greater Manchester-style devolution deal has been struck in Surrey Heartlands.
Council employment lowest in 18 years
Local government employment is at its lowest in 18 years while the number of Whitehall civil servants increases, according to the latest Office for National Statistics figures.
Time for long-term thinking
Gillian Guy looks at recent research on the wider impact of mental health conditions, and highlights the importance of local authorities and the third sector working together to tackle the challenges presented.
Government urged to act as social care crisis surges
The social care funding crisis jumped straight to the top of the new Government’s agenda this week after official figures revealed soaring rates of ‘bed-blocking’.
Second victims group quits sex abuse inquiry
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has been rocked after a second influential victims group with strong links to council children’s homes quit.
Sharing the lessons of malware
With cyber attacks on the rise, Richard Wills explains how Lincolnshire CC is drawing on its first-hand experience of hacking to strengthen its resilience for the next time.
Tory policy ‘won’t aid’ UK’s social care crisis
The Conservatives’ social care policy would cost around £200m a year to run and will do nothing to alleviate the pressures on the NHS, experts have said.
‘Create STPs as statutory bodies’
Sustainability and transformation partnerships (STP) should be created as statutory bodies, finance experts have urged.
Corridors of Power
The Cabinet Secretary has dozed off in front of Theresa May’s interview with Jeremy Paxman and had a strange dream welcoming the next Prime Minister…