Paul Marinko
New ADASS president calls for community focus
The new president of the Association of Directors of Social Services (ADASS) has called for a community, rather than a hospital, focus for the sector.
Limited improvement on hospital delayed discharges despite £600m funding
An improvement of just 12% in hospital delayed discharge figures was achieved in the last financial year despite a further £600m investment in the problem.
Doing things differently
In the face of never-ending pressures councils are continuing to seek out ways to do things differently. But beneath the inevitable positivity is there a negative side to differentiation which could weaken prospects for councils? Paul Marinko reports
Social work development programme 'pulled' by Department for Education
A Government decision to end a training and development programme for social work managers has been branded a ‘kick in the teeth’ for the sector.
Call for evidence boosted in local economic policy
Centre for Cities has called for more evidence to be at the heart of local economic policy making.
Healing the sector’s crisis with respect
As veteran leader Ruth Dombey steps down at the Lib Dem’s longest-held council she makes a plea for a ‘grown-up’ relationship between Whitehall and town halls. Paul Marinko reports.
Clark: Tories and Labour unwilling to address SEND crisis
Labour and the Conservatives have been accused of an ‘unwillingness’ to confront the crisis in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services.
Herbert named Surrey CC chief
Wiltshire Council boss Terence Herbert has been named as Surrey CC’s chief executive.
Reeves set to get Wakefield job permanently
Former Liverpool City Council boss Tony Reeves is believed to be set to become the permanent chief executive at Wakefield Council.
Whitehouse named new West Sussex chief
West Sussex CC has named Surrey CC’s interim boss Leigh Whitehouse as its new chief executive.
Future Forum: Call for councils to be 'brave' in contract negotiations
Councils need to be ‘braver’ and ‘bolder’ in their conversations with private service providers, according to Portsmouth City Council’s chief executive.
Future Forum: Call for 'wholesale' return to council housing
The only thing that will solve Britain’s housing crisis will be a ‘wholesale return to council housing,’ according to the chair of UK Innovation Corridor, Jackie Sadek.
Southend-on-Sea says other councils soaking up supported living capacity
Southend-on-Sea City Council has revealed a significant amount of its supported living capacity is taken up by out-of-area placements from other councils.
Welsh council tax rises finalised
The average council tax rise for Welsh local authorities will be just over 8% next year.
Jenrick leads new charge to axe nutrient neutrality laws
Former housing secretary Robert Jenrick is leading Tory calls for the Government to renew efforts to axe nutrient neutrality laws and boost house building.
Tees Valley councils to learn extent of financial risk from Teeswork scheme
The financial risk faced by the five councils within the Tees Valley Combined Authority is set to be laid bare in top legal advice.
Commission proposes plan for private sector to unblock planning system
A report has called for the private sector to invest in a ‘pipeline fund’ aimed at clearing the planning backlog and boosting regeneration.
New analysis says housing building target needs to rise
England could need more than 500,000 new homes every year, according to analysis just released.
Oflog independence row stems from broken relationships
The concerns over Oflog’s independence illustrate councils’ low level of faith in Government, which stems from Government’s evident low level of faith in local authorities, says Paul Marinko.
Hitting the right notes
Kate Kennally deployed a musical metaphor on receiving the Chief Executive of the Year prize at The MJ Achievement Awards 2023. Here she talks to Paul Marinko about winning the title and how she has conducted Cornwall Council to success.