Paul Marinko
Innovation keeps the wheels on social care
With no prospects of long-term funding solutions, social care teams are having to focus on creative initiatives and partnership working – and the Autumn Statement has added to the pressure. Paul Marinko reports.
The King's Fund: Health and care lack shared understanding on delayed discharges
Health and care systems lack a shared understanding of the causes of hospital discharge delays and short-term Government funding fails to address this.
Autumn Statement: Hunt devolves but councils face new costs
The chancellor has unfrozen housing benefits and announced positive devolution news in his Autumn Statement, but signalled tighter public spending despite raising the National Living Wage.
Baxendale quits New Zealand role
Former Birmingham CEO Dawn Baxendale has resigned from her role as chief executive for Christchurch City Council in New Zealand.
CCN Report - Winter pressure focus on home and community support could save £2.5bn
A new report has argued £2.5bn could be saved if funding to address health and social care winter pressures focused on home and community support.
Millions of pounds in extra savings needed in social care, survey reveals
Council social care leaders are having to find millions of pounds of extra savings this year as winter pressures approach, a survey has revealed.
NAO slams progress on adult social care reform
The Government’s progress on adult social care reform has been slammed in a damning report by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Adult directors reveal limited availability of preventative services as NHS pressures grow
Adult social care directors have highlighted the limited availability of preventative services as the NHS adjusts its waiting list plans amid heightened pressure on hospitals.
King's Speech: Increased funding for mental health and smoking cessation
The King’s Speech has promised ministers will invest at least £2.3bn a year so an extra two million people can get mental health support.
Government trust in councils key to devolution
Most interviewees for a report on why UK's regional policy hasn't worked were unconvinced about fiscal devolution, says Paul Marinko. 'The whiff of mistrust in local government is unmistakable.'
Jones warns of s114 impact
The lead commissioner for Thurrock and Slough councils has warned fellow chief executives of the ‘devastating’ impact of issuing a section 114 notice.
No prospect of sector spending boost after General Election
Council chief executives have been told Whitehall spending is unlikely to change quickly regardless of who wins the next General Election.
Oflog fails to satisfy sector
As council chiefs gather in Birmingham, a survey of Solace members provides virtual unanimity that the Government’s Oflog plans will fail to improve performance and reduce financial dangers. Paul Marinko assesses the findings.
Ripple effect for carbon zero homes
Six Essex councils are set to dive into solving the housing, energy and health challenges faced across the country. Paul Marinko hears how their pitch to the Solace Summit is for others to join and share in the learning.
Chiefs split on need for improved assurance but united in Oflog discontent
Senior council officers are split on whether improved assurance measures are needed but broadly agree Oflog will fail to improve performance or warn of failure.
Scottish and Welsh councils outperform England for ethnicity data
Scottish and Welsh councils are outperforming their English counterparts for publishing workforce ethnicity data, a new report has revealed.
Homelessness figures continue to rise
New Government figures have revealed the growing problem of homelessness across England and costs such as temporary accommodation putting increased pressure on council budgets.
New adult social care workforce strategy planned to curb staff exodus
Skills for Care is to develop a workforce strategy for adult social care after its annual report revealed 440,000 more posts will be needed by 2035.
Jones named as Thurrock lead commissioner
Essex CC chief executive Gavin Jones has been named lead commissioner at troubled Thurrock Council.
Havering warns of s114 despite meetings with Government
Havering LBC’s leader Ray Morgon has warned the council may be forced to declare effective bankruptcy in as little as six months.
