Local economies
Navigating the skills and local economic growth quandary
The recent launch of the SOLACE paper, Skills and Local Economic Growth, had one clear message: only by maximising skills outcomes can we successfully grow local economies, writes Martin Swales.
‘Look to regional places to strengthen local economies’
Regional cities must take the lead in rebalancing the London-centric investment market, a think-tank has said.
Edinburgh gets £1.1bn City Deal
A £1.1bn City Deal for Edinburgh and south-east Scotland was signed yesterday.
Districts are ready and able to deliver the Industrial Strategy
District councils have an unrivalled understanding of what is required to shape local industrial strategies and deliver local economic growth across England, says Mark Pawsey MP.
Striking the right balance
Improving a work-life balance is not only better for the general health of your employees but it benefits the business too, writes Simon Lee.
Better lives, bigger economies
New District Councils' Network chairman John Fuller outlines his priorities for the coming year.
Part and parcel of politics
Haringey LBC has just signed a new joint venture to push much-needed development in the borough amid public protests and opposition from local MPs. Cllr Claire Kober tells Heather Jameson why
Partnerships to power local economies
Nigel Hudson and Gary Woodman explain how collaborative co-operation is ensuring Worcestershire has the fastest-growing productivity in the country
A chance for us to rebuild
The region’s cities look to be at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s future following the recent DUP/Tory agreement, as Mark Morrin explains.
Leese: Skills system is a mess
The leader of Manchester City Council has described the current skills system as a ‘mess’ as he laid out a vision for the future.
Sharing innovation will see us through the next wave of transformation
The sector must ensure that it creates and maintains platforms for sharing going forward, otherwise transformation will cost more and be less certain, writes Andrew Larner.
Full county devolution could be perfect tonic
The Government should be ambitious and seriously consider full fiscal devolution to county areas, argues chairman of the County Councils' Network, Cllr Paul Carter.
Hospital trust and CCGs settle long-running dispute
A dispute over a multimillion pound contract between a foundation trust and its two clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) has ended after an expert determination.
HMJ Number of patients waiting more than 18 weeks rises
The number of patients in England waiting longer than 18 weeks for routine treatment has reached the highest level since September 2008, according to latest figures.
HMJ Curb on out-of-hours contracts in Wales
A planned curb on zero-hours contracts for thousands of care workers has been launched by the Welsh Government.
NHS is spending a record amount on treating obesity
NHS spending on conditions caused by obesity has risen to more than £1bn a year – more than is spent providing hip operations for the elderly, according to NHS figures.
HMJ EU pensioners could cost the NHS an extra £500m a year
The NHS could face extra costs of £500m a year if retired British citizens now living in Europe, who no longer qualify for care post-Brexit, return to the UK, says a report from a healthcare think-tank.
HMJ The challenges ahead for health and care
Chris Hopson looks at the keys to ensuring the future of the NHS and an effective care system.
HMJ Keeping the home fires burning
Hampshire CC is investing in a programme that enables council-supported residents to live in their own homes with 24-hour care.
Are ACOs the future for care?
At St Helens on Merseyside, health and local government are working together to create an accountable care organisation to ease pressure on care and health services. Heather Jameson reports.