Analysis The MJ
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Healing the sector’s crisis with respect
April 23, 2024
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.
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Fighting for the children
April 19, 2024
Incoming president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services, Andy Smith, talks to Ann McGauran about the optimism and opportunities he sees as the organisation tackles the challenges ahead for children and young people.
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The quest for community harmony
April 11, 2024
A Government-commissioned review has spelt out the difficulties councils face when trying to protect social cohesion. Martin Ford reports.
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Connecting health to cohesion
April 10, 2024
The evidence showing the importance of social cohesion to health, and the damage loneliness causes to mental health, is compelling. Ann McGauran reports.
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Tackling homelessness US-style
April 10, 2024
Andrew Vaux looks at the success of a project based on an international model that is tackling homelessness in one of the UK’s largest cities.
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Ready for a bright new dawn?
April 3, 2024
Rachel Reeves’ Mais lecture represented a clear shift away from New Labour towards an active state, a muscular industrial strategy and ambitious regional policy, say Mike Emmerich and Ben Lucas.
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An uplifting social alliance
April 2, 2024
Young people with learning disabilities want to work, but more supported internships are needed. To coincide with National Supported Internship Day, The MJ and DFN Project SEARCH held a round table debate to discuss how local authorities can help. [ [..]
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Mission impassable
March 26, 2024
After the DfE’s about-turn over its own consultation for councils to end the use of agency social work project teams, Rachael Wardell argues they diminish an authority’s ability to implement a consistent practice model. Ann McGauran reports.
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Solace at 50
March 25, 2024
As Solace hits its 50th anniversary – alongside the anniversary of the 1974 local government reorganisation – Heather Jameson looks at the highlights of an essay collection launched to mark the occasion.
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A first step in tackling abuse
March 21, 2024
As the Government finally moves to introduce mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, councils are warning a complete programme of action is needed to significantly reduce the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable people. Mark Conrad reports.
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What now for Ukrainian refugees?
March 20, 2024
In the two years since the war broke out in Ukraine, local government has stepped up to help refugees. What happens next, asks Maks Wieczorski
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A quick fix – but is there any choice?
March 20, 2024
With news of capitalisation directions being given to several councils, Heather Jameson asks if this risky measure – designed to provide fiscal support – will ultimately provide greater problems down the line.
