Ann McGauran
Public health chiefs call for more data on jab take-up
Councils still lack the detailed data they need on COVID vaccination take-up to tackle inequities and reduce transmission, public health experts said this week.
Unions - COVID self-isolation support 'not working'
Council data shows financial support for people self-isolating in England has left many workers in hardship, and highlights postcode variations in the success rate of applications, say unions.
Starting from the wrong place?
The first White Paper on NHS reform in nearly a decade confirms England will be covered by statutory integrated care systems. Ann McGauran canvasses local government sector experts on the contents.
Children’s tsar - Families should be at the centre of MPs’ plans
Radical reforms in the wake of the pandemic should include rebuilding a government department that looks more widely at children, schools and families, says the departing children’s tsar.
Councils playing leading local role in vaccine rollout, says LGA
Sports stadiums, places of worship and even a former nightclub are among the venues secured by councils to help boost the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, says the Local Government Association.
White Paper plans to radically reform the NHS
Council leaders have warned that local government needs to be an equal partner in the design of any national oversight of social care as the Government publishes its White Paper plans to overhaul the NHS.
Social care should remain delivered by councils, says report
Tens of thousands of people could live more independent lives if councils keep hold of social care under government plans to overhaul health services, a new report has insisted.
Confident about care
Hertfordshire CC’s new director of adult care services Chris Badger talks to Ann McGauran about investing in extra care housing, COVID’s legacy of loneliness, care market sustainability, and developing diverse teams.
Lib Dem council leaders urge chancellor to make UC uplift permanent
More than 30 Liberal Democrat council leaders and deputies have written to the Government calling for the £20 uplift in Universal Credit introduced last March to be made permanent.
Areas with lowest life expectancy should get more vaccines, says Burnham
Greater supplies of vaccines should be made available in places with the lowest life expectancy, mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has said.
Medway’s children’s services commissioner is stood down
Medway Council will continue to run its own children’s services after the independent commissioner is stood down due to good progress on improvement.
Filling in the gaps
The Government has launched an independent inquiry into children’s social care in England, amid calls for a cross-Government commission into the impact of COVID-19 on the young. What do sector experts hope could be achieved? Ann McGauran reports.
Conservative MPs refuse to vote down hike in council tax
Conservative MPs last night refused to vote against a rise in council tax that a poll says is opposed by nearly half (48%) of adults in England.
New management structure to lead Luton’s 2020-2040 vision
Luton BC has restructured its top management team to focus on its flagship Luton 2020-2040 vision for eradicating poverty in the town.
Babies’ needs overlooked in COVID response
A generation of babies risks being damaged by the fallout from the pandemic without a concerted effort from local support systems to improve outcomes, says a new report.
Call for inquiry into COVID’s 'devastating' impact on children
A coalition of child health experts has called for a wide-ranging independent commission to examine the ‘devastating impact’ of the pandemic on children.
'Hypersensitivity' on data sharing needs to be overcome
Solace’s digital leadership chief says data-sharing is ‘about how we save lives’, and 'hypersensitivity' within the sector about the risks involved needs to be overcome.
Cheshire leaders put concerns to Government on jabs, lockdown and schools
Council leaders in Cheshire and their partners have written to the Government laying out their concerns about the vaccination rollout, the current lockdown arrangements and schools.
A hard act to follow
Neil McInroy steps down this year as chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES). Ann McGauran talks to him about his legacy and the challenges ahead for the UK.
Top insights on adversity
Leadership in local government was tested in 2020 like never before. Here, chief executives reflect on the lessons they will take with them into this year and beyond. Ann McGauran reports.
