News
LGA lobbied over income tax devolution amid White Paper preparations
The Local Government Association’s (LGA) White Paper should make the case for councils to receive a share of income tax, sector experts have urged.
Political battle over National Care Service
Competing visions of the future of social care have been set out by Labour and the Conservatives as they prepare for a General Election.
MPs sign off indefinite delay to no-fault evictions ban
The Renters (Reform) Bill, which now includes an indefinite delay to the long-awaited ban on ‘no-fault’ evictions, passed its third reading in the Commons yesterday.
10,000 council staff on long-term sick leave
Nearly 10,000 staff members working in councils across England are currently on long-term sick leave, freedom of information requests have revealed.
Social housing tests could heavily impact London
London boroughs are likely to be most heavily impacted by the Government’s proposed UK connection test for social housing.
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.
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Opinion
Delicate decisions
Three myths are holding back Labour’s growth plans, but there are ways to increase investment without wrecking the balance sheet, says Cllr Graham Chapman.
What will the next steps be for the mayoral model?
While the offers to communities from mayors are maturing, there remain big questions to be answered by whichever party forms the next Government, says Zoë Billingham.
Gaining skills: Overcoming the barriers in Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth's skills and employability strategy will provide a positive, collaborative framework for the council and its partners and It will leave residents well placed for careers that improve their lives and those of their families, says [..]
The key to a sustainable workforce
At a time when candidates are in high demand and often can call the shots, a well-defined employer value proposition that contains a robust learning and development programme is the key to boosting retention – as Mark Bearn explains.
Productivity matters
Nicole Wood says the sector 'can and should bring our corporate, digital, people and commercial capability together to answer whether we are delivering productivity and what opportunity there is to do more'.
Devolution needs to be more ‘Kevin Keegan’
If the UK wants to emerge from its ‘odd decade’ into a better place, it must use devolution to boost the economic potential of its regions, says Henry Kippin.
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Best Practice
A golden chance to revitalise Sandwell
From the ashes of intervention, Sandwell MBC has been in the midst of a large scale improvement journey, with a particular emphasis on regeneration and social value and inclusion. Tony McGovern outlines the progress.
Analysis
Telling social care’s story
As adult social care directors gather in Bedfordshire this week for the ADASS Spring Seminar the association’s new president Melanie Williams sets out her plans for the year ahead.
Private sector
Procuring an Active Wellbeing Partnership
Pivoting from traditional leisure services to focusing on active wellbeing can help build the long term health of communities. Duncan Wood-Allum from SLC explains how it differs from traditional leisure contracts
A call for transparency and accountability
Local government must confront pressing 'elephant in the room' issues head-on if it is to foster transparency, accountability and effective governance, says chief executive of Local Partnerships Adele Gritten.
Co-producing adult social care – the art of the possible
Alex Fox invites those attending the Spring Seminar to share with IMPOWER - at its workshop or on its stand - the stories of how their areas are approaching this period’s unique challenges.
