inequality
Tackling the big four vaccine challenges
Tackling inequity in vaccination uptake depends on resolving what Jim McManus calls the big four challenges – and councils’ role is crucial.
Public health chiefs call for more data on jab take-up
Councils still lack the detailed data they need on COVID vaccination take-up to tackle inequities and reduce transmission, public health experts said this week.
Local public health proves its worth in a crisis
COVID has emphasised the importance of public health teams being part of local government, says Professor Maggie Rae. But councils need the resources to address the fallout from this pandemic and prepare for the next one.
Financing health is vital to our futures
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy says the upcoming Budget is a chance to act on the lessons of COVID-19 – and now is the moment to start building the path towards a healthy recovery.
Emerging stronger from crisis in Camden
A hundred days into his new post at Camden LBC, Hanad Mohamed says his role is to ensure that equalities remains front and centre.
Tackling mistrust about vaccines
Dr Justin Varney looks at how Birmingham is working to tackle the ‘layers upon layers of mistrust’ among ethnic minority communities that is ‘now playing out in vaccine hesitancy’.
An imperfect storm
Social vulnerability must be fully included as COVID-19 isolation support is reviewed, so councils can build on the local arrangements already in place and meet their communities’ needs, says Alice Wiseman.
Levelling up resembles a jigsaw of disparate ‘pieces of policy’
Arianna Giovannini says there is a consistent lack of clarity about what levelling up means - and it also remains unclear what areas should be 'levelled up'. The Government needs to develop a clear vision and strategy for the long-term, she adds.
New management structure to lead Luton’s 2020-2040 vision
Luton BC has restructured its top management team to focus on its flagship Luton 2020-2040 vision for eradicating poverty in the town.
Pushing for real reform
The pandemic was a game changer for the central/local government relationship, says Joanne Roney, who has started her two-year stint as president of Solace.
What next for the capital post-pandemic?
The levelling up agenda has focused on the Midlands and the North, but London’s economy has also been hard hit by the pandemic. The MJ and BT spoke to eight London chief executives on how they are adapting to the changes. Michael Burton reports.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
Levelling up our health and wealth
The current challenges can be a catalyst for a major rethink about how national and local government spends and invests to create better communities, says Solace spokesperson for economic prosperity Robin Tuddenham.
BME groups less likely to take COVID vaccine
A new poll has found that just 57% of respondents from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds were likely to accept a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 79% of white respondents.
Rewards of doughnut decision-making
Cornwall Council is using the ‘doughnut economics’ model to help the county navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the climate crisis, including the risks of accelerating inequality. Cllr Edwina Hannaford explains.
Child vulnerability evaluated
Deven Ghelani looks at what more can be done to stop children from falling into crisis, and examines how data can be used to secure better outcomes for the most vulnerable.
A chance to show long term vision on levelling up
This year’s spending round must focus on supporting places to managing the virus while signalling the longer-term strategy for building resilience into recovery, says Rosie Stock Jones.
Public health is a core part of the ‘levelling-up’ agenda
Reducing health inequalities is part of the ‘levelling up’ agenda, says Michael Burton - 'and just as the chancellor promises his Northern MP colleagues to invest in infrastructure in the region so should he invest in public health'.
Championing mental health
The National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) 2020 is taking place virtually this week. Here, plenary session speaker Sarah Hughes outlines how councils can meet the immediate mental health challenges of COVID, and rebuild resilience.
Birmingham has to work to be a real equal opportunity employer
Europe’s largest local authority is already leading the charge on tackling inequalities affecting Birmingham’s diverse population, writes Cllr John Cotton – but now it’s turning the spotlight on itself as one of the city’s major employers.
