NHS
Councillors fear blame for looming tax rise
Senior councillors have expressed fears they will be blamed for raising council tax amid a false perception that the Government has sorted social care.
How can the NHS work with councils on levelling up?
Andrew Laird says the levelling up jigsaw is missing one major piece – the NHS – and he points to an ethical barrier to it playing a full role in this crucial policy agenda.
A compelling national vision for local government
Becoming part of a ‘medicalised treatment-based model’ is the last thing social care needs, says Professor Donna Hall, as she puts forward the beginnings of a new vision for local government.
Leading the warriors out of COVID
Jim McManus talks to Martin Ford about the impact of the COVID crisis on directors of public health and says we need to take the opportunity to learn the lessons of the pandemic so that we are ready in the future.
Let’s not rebrand health inequalities
Health inequalities does not feel like a ‘safe’ phrase, nor should it be, says Rachel Flowers. ‘If we used words that dilute the impact of this harsh phrase it might start feeling too comfortable,’ she explains.
We need an equal partnership between the NHS and councils on health and care
When is a local health and care partnership not a partnership? If we are not careful when it's an integrated care system, say Phil Hope and Steve Barwick.
Council tax could easily rise by 5% a year - IFS
English councils will need billions more from government and big tax rises to maintain services and pay for social care reforms, says new analysis published today by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
‘It’s about levelling up’
Pam Smith, Karen James and Andrea Green talk to Ann McGauran about how their strong relationship as leaders has helped their teams provide a system of support for health and social care in Stockport.
Javid vows to reform health and social care
Health secretary Sajid Javid has three clear priorities – COVID, recovery and reform – he told delegates at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week.
Councils must recognise the threat to locally delivered social care
The local government sector, and the bodies which represent it, need to switch from a stance that welcomes small steps to one that recognises the existential threat that locally delivered social care now faces, argues Jessica Studdert.
Unpicking the health and care levy: considerations for social care
Oliver Brown says the plans for long term reform of social care leave unanswered questions - and the biggest area lacking clarity concerns top-up care costs.
Council accuses government of ignoring planned legal challenge
Blackpool Council has accused the Home Office and Serco of ignoring a planned legal challenge over the placement of 150 asylum seekers at a hotel.
Families under pressure
As energy and food costs soar and pandemic financial support comes to an end, Chris Mahony asks what impact the pressures on low income families will have on stretched local authorities.
It’s time to tackle the in-tray
Michael Gove has been given a new beefed-up department and strong team with a serious policy background – and he will need it to tackle a tough brief, says Sir Bob Neill.
Row holds up Better Care Fund plan
A multi-million pound dispute means Cornwall Council and the NHS Kernow care commissioning group have yet to sign off their Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for this year.
Mental health top reason for staff absences
Mental health has been the top reason local government employees have taken time off work over the last 32 months.
Social care plan is quickly losing its sheen
The Government has a plan for asset protection but still does not have a proper plan for social care, says Richard Humphries. ‘No wonder so many involved in social care are so deeply disappointed.’
HMJ: Call for permanent discharge to assess funding
The Government has been urged to make funding for its ‘discharge to assess’ scheme permanent in a bid to free up thousands of hospital beds and help the NHS recover from the pandemic.
HMJ: The role of local authorities in care reforms
Anja Beriro of Browne Jacobson outlines the role local authorities will play in the new Integrated Care Systems and what steps they can take to make them better prepared for changes in the delivery of health and social care.
HMJ: Sector’s mixed reaction to mandatory COVID-19 vaccines
Making COVID-19 and flu vaccinations mandatory for all frontline health and care workers would help level the playing field between the NHS and social care, Care England has argued.
