GUEST BLOG: The travesty of social care policy in the UK
The continued delay in the Government’s Social Care Green Paper is just one more indication of the lack of consensus and considered thinking being applied to the social care crisis in the UK. The lack of care in the community is turning our hospitals into extended care homes – which is wrong on every single […]
DfE ‘does not fully understand’ children’s social care demand and costs
The National Audit Office says the Department for Education does not fully understand what is driving demand for children’s social care. It’s latest report also says the DfE is unclear as to why there is such wide variation between local authorities in their children’s social care activity and costs, as it has not yet done […]
More airport provision for disabilities and special needs
New proposed measures from the Government’s upcoming aviation strategy consultation will support passengers with disabilities and special needs, along with ensuring improvements designed to enhance customer’s overall experience within airports. Aviation Minister Liz Snugg outlined the proposed measures during a trip to Gatwick airport, with the consultation proposing the creation of a new ‘passenger charter’ […]
Government proposes improvement plan for Northamptonshire children’s services
The Government has proposed to appoint a commissioner to oversee improvements at Northamptonshire children’s social care services, following concerns raised by existing commissioners and Ofsted about how the council supports vulnerable children and families. Education Secretary Damian Hinds and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government James Brokenshire have written to the […]
Government pledges ’emergency’ £240 million to NHS for winter social care
The extra funding is aimed at reducing delayed transfers of care and will be allocated to councils based on the adult social care relative needs formula. Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the plans at the Conservative Party conference in a bid to stave off a repeat of last year’s winter health crisis. Specifically, the government […]
Funding made available for digital tech in healthcare
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £9 million to develop more effective and efficient treatments through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. Announcing the funding, the Government said that advancing new and novel digital technologies could significantly improve outcomes for patients, and provide cost benefits for healthcare providers. The digital health technology […]
Government ‘planning social care tax’ to meet £3.5bn funding gap
Ministers are discussing the possibility of introducing a ‘social care’ levy to cover the cost of elderly care, according to various media reports. The Sun cites sources that say the idea has been pushed by former Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, and will enable a £3.5 billion funding gap to be closed. The proposal would see […]
PM: Social care budgets will be set out as part of spending review
The Prime Minister, Theresa May, has spoken of plans to change legislation in order to make it easier for the NHS to work more effectively with councils, adding that extra funding for social care will only be considered as part of the spending review. During a speech at the Royal Free Hospital regarding them future […]
Lib Dems call for ringfenced health & care tax to replace NI
A new tax earmarked solely for the NHS and social care is among the recommendations from a panel of 10 experts in a report on healthcare reform commissioned by the Liberal Democrats. The report – Health and Social Care: Delivering a Secure Funding Future – will form the blueprint of the Lib Dems’ ongoing healthcare […]
Government offers advice to suppliers on Carillion crash
The Government has offered advice to suppliers and creditors affected by Carillion’s liquidation last week. Troubled UK facilities management and construction giant Carillion owed almost £1.3bn to banks and the end finally came on January 15th as a winding up order was made against the firm, with the court appointing the Official Receiver as the […]
