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Martin Ford

Martin Ford

Articles by Martin Ford

Data issues hampering councils' refugee response

By Martin Ford | 30 March 2022

Councils are struggling to prepare for the arrival of refugees due to a lack of quality data, MPs...

Young refugees to provide fresh challenge for councils

By Martin Ford | 29 March 2022

The local government sector is braced for the challenge of protecting a wave of children fleeing ...

Call for tougher regulation of exempt housing

By Martin Ford | 29 March 2022

Councils have shared concerns some providers of ‘exempt’ accommodation are exploiting the sector ...

'Concern' over aslyum transfer scheme

By Martin Ford | 28 March 2022

Kent CC has said it is taking too long for asylum-seeking children to be transferred to other aut...

Pay 'not number one feature' in staff retention

By Martin Ford | 28 March 2022

Culture and opportunities for career advancement are more important to council staff than pay, pe...

Counties warn of school transport crisis

By Martin Ford | 25 March 2022

Hikes in fuel costs are meaning local authorities are having pay providers significantly more, ac...

Future Forum North: 'lack of alignment' in healthcare reforms

By Martin Ford | 24 March 2022

A ‘frenzy’ of Government healthcare announcements has resulted in the fragmentation of integratio...

Future Forum North: call to arms for 'supine' sector leaders

By Martin Ford | 24 March 2022

The local government sector has been urged to ‘stand up and be counted’ to secure what it needs t...

Future Forum North: hopes fading for funding reform

By Martin Ford | 24 March 2022

Doubts have been cast on the prospects for an overhaul of council funding by Local Government Ass...

Future Forum North: authorities should prepare for big switch-off

By Martin Ford | 23 March 2022

Councils must ensure they are prepared for the looming switch-off of copper-based landlines, the ...