Public health
London boroughs work together to face the HIV challenge
The London HIV Prevention Programme (LHPP) is clearly a public health success story, says Cllr Ray Puddifoot - and local government in the capital is determined to lead the way in efforts to end HIV altogether.
Public health progress put at risk by cuts
The Government must restore councils’ public health grants because of their important role in the urgent task of improving public health, according to a report from leading health think tank, The King’s Fund.
Democracy's different down under
Most people are aware that voting in Australia is compulsory, but far fewer will be informed about the traditions surrounding the trip to the polls.
Universal Credit bad for people's health - academics
Universal Credit (UC) is bad for health and wellbeing, academics have found in a new study commissioned by Gateshead MBC.
Making a healthy start
There are still big issues that need to be addressed if the prevention agenda is to be a success, as key speaker at this year's County Councils' Network annual conference Phil Swann explains
Winner’s quest to build on success
As The MJ launches its 2019 awards Michael Burton reports on how winning the 2018 Local Authority of the Year category this year made an impact on Blackburn with Darwen Council
Documents to detail prevention vision
Council chiefs are keenly awaiting the publication of two key documents for clues as to how the Government’s new focus on prevention will impact them.
pluggedin
Paul O'Brien ponders the new programme to tackle childhood obesity, and can't help wondering if any joined-up policy thinking is taking place on domestic matters while the shadow of Brexit looms large.
white van man
So the number crunchers have suddenly discovered that our life expectancy has stopped improving for the first time since 1982.
New minister’s chance for bold ideas on social care
One of the advantages of being a new minister is the freedom to throw up all kinds of new ideas - however wacky - and sound enthusiastic while knowing that for the first 100 days or so, commentators will give him or her the benefit of the doubt before cynicism sets in.
How design is being used to transform services
Sarah Weir explains how design is being used to transform services and improve outcomes in public health and offers a range of examples from councils across the country.
Lancashire to re-run public health tender
Lancashire CC has agreed to re-evaluate its tendering process for public health services after a court ordered the council to set aside its agreement with Virgin Care.
A green paper for change
The delay in providing a strategy for social care and wellbeing is impacting not just the care sector, but other key services around the country. To promote discussion the LGA has produced its own green paper looking beyond social care, as Izzi Seccombe explains.
Park life
Many councils across the country are cutting their budgets for parks and open spaces, with some even looking to sell off these areas of land. Garry Payne explains how Wyre BC has continued to invest in its parks, making significant improvements for local residents and visitors alike.
Giving way to a more trusting generation
Ben Page says there is much to be proud of in Generation Z. What will that mean for our future?
Making the most of the NHS birthday money
Cllr Alan White demands confirmation of funding to maintain public health and adult social care.
Judge blocks Virgin Care's council contract win
Lancashire CC’s award of a contract to Virgin Care has been blocked by a legal challenge.
Actions speak louder than words
The West Midlands is driving improvements in work place mental health and wellbeing. Sean Russell, Sarah Norman and Michelle Harte explain how their organisations are contributing.
Social care green paper delayed - again
The long-awaited social care green paper has been further delayed until the autumn after repeated Whitehall insistencies it was on track.
Fresh finance warning for Northamptonshire CC
Northamptonshire CC’s finance director has issued an early warning the county already risks missing key savings targets that enabled it to agree a legal budget.