Title

TRANSFORMATION

Scottish health and social care integration must 'happen faster' - report

The integration of health and social care needs to ‘happen faster,’ a report has concluded.

The integration of health and social care needs to ‘happen faster,' a report has concluded.

A joint report, published by the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), welcomed what it characterised as ‘good progress in some local areas' on health and social care integration.

However, it warned that some local partnerships were ‘making less progress'.

Effective strategic planning and clear governance and accountability arrangements were recommended to ensure progress on integration continues.

Cabinet secretary Jeane Freeman said: 'We need to act together and in our individual roles to accelerate progress.

‘There are challenges we must address, and we recognise that we need to adapt, compromise and support one another to deliver integration for the people of Scotland.'

TRANSFORMATION

Children's services: What good looks like in Solihull

By Paul Johnson | 20 January 2026

Solihull MBC’s journey from Inadequate to Good in its latest Inspection of Local Authority Children’s Services is one of the best examples of the public sect...

TRANSFORMATION

Is English devolution in a holding pattern hiatus?

By David Blackman | 20 January 2026

What impact will the delays to the mayoral elections in Greater Essex, Hampshire and the Solent, Norfolk & Suffolk and Sussex & Brighton have on devolution? ...

TRANSFORMATION

A bit more 'no, minister' is needed

By Michael Burton | 20 January 2026

A succession of government U-turns over badly-considered policies suggest the Whitehall machine is under-performing in its duty to give practical advice to m...

TRANSFORMATION

AI: powering the next chapter of UK local government

By Emma Foy | 19 January 2026

One year on from the national AI Action Plan, Emma Foy says those who move early – and move responsibly – will shape the future of local government service d...

Popular articles by William Eichler