By Fay Blair and Bob Evans The authors offer an uncompromising critique of how local services are currently delivered. They also warn of the serious downsides if the imminent reforms to local government don’t make clear that any new public service organisation must fulfil its basic obligation to protect and enhance quality of life for communities. Responses to the author’s findings are included in the feature.

Training for the Higher Level Teaching Assistant status will start this month in 36 approved universities, colleges, schools, local education authorities and private companies. All the training providers will have to meet the agreed national professional standards. The trainees who achieve HLTA status will work in both primary and secondary schools under the direction of a teacher. Sometimes they will work with individuals and at other times in groups or with whole classes. 

Task groups have been set up to change the role of the NHS from being primarily a sickness service and making it more of a health service. The groups are providing opportunities for all interested parties, including the NHS, local government, non-governmental organisations, schools, employers, industry, the media, central government and individuals themselves, to contribute to a debate on how collectively it is possible to create the opportunities for everyone to enjoy the best health possible.