Loneliness and social isolation in older people
Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are particularly acute for older people. How can councils combat loneliness? This briefing summarises recent research on this critical issue and considers the effects of loneliness on health and services. It also looks at the evidence for different interventions.
The Retail Sector: Update
In March 2013, the BIS Select Committee began its inquiry into the retail industry. Its report was published in 2014. The Committee's inquiry focussed on government support for the retail sector, including progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Portas Review. The Committee was told that all the money for the Portas pilots had…
Welfare Reform Update: August 2014
This briefing is a further update on developments in welfare reform, updating developments in selected aspects to early August 2014. Covered are the latest statistics and analyses on the benefits cap, the social sector size criteria, the Work Capability Assessment, and progress in Personal Independence Payments (PIPs). The DWP has published interim evaluations of the…
Ofsted Annual Report 2019-20
Lessons on early years, schools and skills provision in England through the 2019-20 annual report of Ofsted.
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive – delivering social housing through times of conflict
Although housing is just as critical an aspect of public policy in Northern Ireland as in other parts of UK and Ireland, local government does not play the same role. Instead, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive possesses unique responsibilities in meeting demand for social housing, which are outlined in this briefing.
White Paper on Ending Direct Provision and its impact on local government
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, T.D., last week published a White Paper to End Direct Provision and to establish a new International Protection Support Service for Ireland. The White Paper is examined in the following briefing with a clear focus on the local level and within that level, the leadership…
Covid-19: How can we make sure our staff stay safe at work?
Staff should be safe at work. Managers have responsibility to ensure that workplace practices adhere to both law and government guidance, as well as being concerned with the wellbeing of staff in the broadest sense. What is needed will continue to change as we move out of lockdown.
Housing Progress Report
'- This briefing takes as its starting point a range of key statistics to review progress made on a number of housing issues including housing supply, homelessness and housing sales. - There is evidence that the housing market is gaining more confidence with fewer mortgage arrears, and repossessions and increased mortgage lending including to first…
The Quality Framework for Adult Social Care
Following a consultation, the government has produced a quality framework for adult social care, including the outcomes framework for 2011/12.
Time for Change: Social Mobility Commission Report
The Government's Social Mobility Commission's Time for Change report on 'socially divided' Britain offers five key lessons which include making social mobility a central government goal by focusing on long term progress, allowing changes to take effect, and playing an interventionist role in regional development.