Social Care
Brokering constructive conversations
Co-production and engaging with residents can help implement new models of care, at a time when the issues are at their most ‘wicked’, writes Ewan King.
Tensions rise as NHS fines 22 councils for bed-blocking
The NHS has fined at least 22 councils for bed-blocking and threatened 11 others with charges amid escalating tensions between health and care.
Integration hesitation is harming patients
A reluctance on the part of some council bosses to progress health and care integration talks is depriving patients of the best treatment, a Greater Manchester council chief has warned.
Whitehall to publish report on children’s mental health
A green paper on children and young people’s mental health will be published by the Government.
Where next for local government financial reform?
With the falling of the Local Government Finance Bill, the IFS's David Phillips assesses where this leaves reforms to the sector's finance system.
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
‘Deliver social care green paper,’ ministers are told
Ministers should urgently deliver a social care green paper and resist the temptation to kick it into the long grass after the General Election, county councils warned this week.
Authority defends record over ‘bed-blocking’ claims
The council responsible for the highest number of ‘bed-blocking’ incidents in England says it still ensures that 90% of discharged patients return home immediately.
Little substance predicted from Queen's Speech
The Queen’s Speech is set to have Brexit at its heart but not much else, according to predictions in the run up to the state opening of Parliament.
Let local government be the lead commissioner of health and care
Professor Graeme Betts argues for local government to become the lead commissioner across the health and care system
Croydon's bold and budget-friendly alliance
Health and care integration is a cherished goal among politicians, civil servants and the NHS. Manju Shahul-Hameed explains why a cutting-edge partnership in Croydon now needs government backing to fulfil its potential
Surrey Heartlands in GM-style health devo deal
A Greater Manchester-style devolution deal has been struck in Surrey Heartlands.
A new deal
Paul Watson argues any spending concessions the DUP attempts to extract as part of a deal with the Conservatives should be mirrored across the UK, in regions and in local government.
Placing support for carers at the heart of care services
A rigourous, forward-thinking approach to embedding carers into pathways is becoming a necessity, says Heather Acton.
Counties can impact the next administration's agenda
There is a growing disquiet as to whether business rate retention offers the solutions to local government's funding needs, argues James Maker as he looks ahead to the Queen's Speech.
Government urged to act as social care crisis surges
The social care funding crisis jumped straight to the top of the new Government’s agenda this week after official figures revealed soaring rates of ‘bed-blocking’.
Which way Mrs May?
Social care predicted to be among casualties of reforms for the sector post General Election – though door could still be open for devo
Don't forget informal carers
London Councils’ executive member for adult social care, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, on the value of informal carers.
Social care has taken a beating in the elections too
Theresa May is not the only potential casualty of this election. The social care issue has taken a pretty severe political beating as well, says Adam Lent