Health
Fighting fit in Stockport
It may be testing times for councils, but Stockport MBC is pulling out the stops to ensure its residents of all ages stay healthy, happy – and independent, says Cllr Mark Hunter.
Judgment day
Kent and Home Office face growing pressure over asylum-seeking children.
Local government can drive an inclusive transition to net zero
Emily Morrison calls for a place-based approach to net zero transition, saying national policy is failing to support the UK’s poorest households towards a carbon-neutral future.
Health and care integration: is it worth it?
Is health and care integration worth all the effort when the two systems are on their knees and everything seems to get harder and harder, asks managing director of Roretti Sanjay Mackintosh. 'The answer is it has to be.'
An appetite for change in Durham
Kelly Rose says tackling health inequalities is the key focus of Durham County Council’s work to improve access to healthier food, alongside promoting low carbon diets.
Better food policies for councils’ menus
Ahead of the local elections in May, and in the context of a council funding crisis, Sofia Parente looks at the levers candidates can use to ensure better food policies are priorities.
Creating a Centre for Population Health
Professor Durka Dougall explains how the Centre for Population Health can support health and care leaders in prioritising a more equal future for everyone.
Health boost for Housing First residents, research finds
Housing First – under which homeless people are guaranteed a home while they access intensive long-term support – reduces demand on health and social care services, research published today has found.
Networking opportunities
Decisions made by local authorities have a major impact on residents’ mental health, and that is why Worcestershire has signed up to the Mentally Healthier Councils Network. Lisa McNally explains.
England should become a Marmot Nation
ICSs will need to get firmly onto the front foot if they are to deliver their goals, including delivering more seamless health and social care services, say Phil Hope and Steve Barwick.
Council set to halve sick pay
Southend Council is planning to halve the amount of sick pay given to staff in a move Unison has described as ‘callous’.
Ombudsman calls for Royal Commission for social housing
The Housing Ombudsman has called for the establishment of a Royal Commission to deliver a long-term plan for social housing that tackles social injustices.
Tapping into digital and tech for public good
AI is arguably this year’s key technology trend, with generative AI in particular and large language models promising great benefits for the public sector. Ann McGauran reports.
‘Bad health blackspots’ hold back growth
Stark health inequalities are restricting economic growth, new research has found.
Is leisure now a liability or an opportunity to support healthier communities?
The three key challenges being faced by council leisure services can be addressed positively to protect services and deliver greater benefits to communities. Leading consultancy SLC share their recent successes with local authority leisure procurement.
Why climate change is health’s biggest threat
The health risks from climate change are considerable, but directors of public health are ideally placed to ensure initiatives are implemented in the right way, to the right people, say Greg Fell and Darrell Gale.
Social care career reforms ‘only scratch the surface’
The Government today announced new measures to improve the career prospects of social care staff but concerns remain that this ‘may only scratch the surface’ of the workforce crisis.
Scots Gov should not mark own report card
The Scottish Parliament should appoint an independent external organisation to validate the National Performance Framework and regain faith in the system of assessment. George Thorley explains.
Using tech for effective placemaking in Halton
Creating vibrant connected communities is a crucial part of local government policy making – and placemaking sits at the heart of this, say Stephen Young and Emily Douglin.
Hounslow’s LATCO model for leisure focuses firmly on community needs
The LATCO model is a third way to manage leisure services and bring together a commercial head and community heart - and it has been a game-changer in Hounslow, says Rowland Omamor.