A local government think tank has said concerns over the future funding of social care should not be allowed to overshadow other equally important issues such as access to services and the well-being of older people. The call has come from the Local Government Information Unit, which is assisting an all-party investigation into long term care. 

A former local authority planner and chief executive is to be the new chair of the Standards Board for England. Dr Robert Chilton, who takes up the post in July, has held senior positions at the Audit Commission and the Local Government Commission and moves to the Board as it changes to become a ‘light touch’ regulator offering guidance to councils.
Dr Chilton will lead the board for a three year term and replaces Sir Anthony Holland, who has held the post for seven years. 

This report from the Institute of Community Cohesion describes the importance of understanding local communities in order to build cohesion between them. It sets out a model that highlights religious and ethnic diversity and illustrates where these intersect to influence the establishment of local leadership structures and networks.