The rising cost of care coupled with government cuts means that maintaining support for the vulnerable in society is one of the biggest challenges facing local authorities. But where does the solution to this crisis lie and what can local government do to drive down care costs?
For decades, closer integration between health and social care has been the holy grail of health policy. Successive governments have wanted it to happen. A newly elected Labour government in 1997 vowed to “break down the Berlin Wall” between health and social care.
Steven Howell reports on a round table debate with Pfizer Ltd, that forms part of a wider research project looking at the new health and public health landscape.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander has indicated the government will expand the number of whole place Community Budgets in next months Spending Review.
It is never easy being the new boy or girl, something that hundreds of new councillors across the country are doubtless finding as they settle into their new role as elected representatives.
An Ipsos MORI poll at the start of the year found that as many public service leaders believed that the quality of their services had improved, as thought they had worsened one in five, in both cases.
Alex Thomson was quoted in an MJ article on DCLG blocking of annual reports on decentralisation.
Localis’ Steven Howell took part in a Guardian Local Leaders live discussion on how local authorities in the poorest areas can cope with cutbacks.
Local needs are now being met by public service providers working together to manage community budgets. Join our experts at midday on Wednesday 17 April to find out how.
The Department of Health has published a new toolkit to help councils get local businesses involved with promoting public health.
The toolkit includes information on how to encourage staff to have a health check, promote physical activity and use less salt in catering.