DfE has published research on the cost and funding of early years childcare and education to understand better the charges to parents, the cost of the free provision, and cross-subsidisation within each type of early years setting. Charges for older children subsidise younger children is one of many findings.
The Kings Fund has analysed the 44 sustainability and transformation plans (STPs), setting out the main themes and challenges, and what needs to be done for successful implementation. This policy briefing summarises and comments on the report, with particular reference to issues that are relevant to local authorities.
Scottish Government has recently published draft guidance on supporting children with healthcare needs in schools. This briefing explains the rights and responsibilities in this area, and sets out how education authorities can work with NHS boards as well as the policies and procedures they must have in place.
More than half of the UK population uses parks on a regular basis. The CLG select committee’s report into parks asks why do they matter, what challenges do they face and how can a sustainable future be secured?
This briefing deals with the budget’s key announcements in Budget 2017, particularly with the Economic and Fiscal Outlook report produced by the OBR, and the additional finding for social care.
Many initiatives have attempted to develop integrated health and social care services through the development of plans, pooled funding, and new care models. These are discussed here, alongside broader lessons to be learnt on such cross-cutting themes as change management in the workforce and the value add of local government.
This briefing is on the Government commissioned of the youth justice system which recommends a reduction in central government’s role, greater co-ordination of funding and provision through local authorities, the abolition of the duty to maintain a youth offending team, changes to court procedures, the creation of Children’s Panels and the establishment of ‘Secure Schools.
The NAO warns that progress with the integration of health and social care has been slower than envisaged and hasn’t delivered all of the expected benefits for patients, the NHS or local authorities. As a result, the government’s plan for integrated services across England by 2020 is at significant risk.
The IFS produces a Green Budget every year in the weeks running up to the Budget, which this year will be 8 March. Issues covered include the economic and fiscal outlook, health and social care spending, incapacity and disability benefits, and the Apprenticeship Levy.
The health, public health and social care round-up summarises new policy, research and publications that are relevant to elected members and officers interested in health and social care.
