People want to live and work in places that are attractive, vibrant, prosperous, safe and welcoming and achieving these aims drives satisfaction within an area. Councillors are well placed to champion the improvement of public places and make areas into good places to live and work. Communities and Local Government wants councillors to take up the challenge and get in the driving seat of improvement.

Read more on COUNCILLORS BEST PLACED TO DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES…

The online Direct Debit Challenge League created by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited, has hit the back of the net with local councils. Bacs say that they have received more entries than ever before and the modern format has really struck a cord with councils across the UK.

Read more on MORE COUNCILS SIGN UP TO DIRECT DEBIT CHALLENGE LEAGUE…

By Deidre Wild and Sara Nelson with Ala Szczepura.

Hospitals and care homes are in different organizational structures, but they serve the same people. A change in the condition of their clients frequently means moving from one organization to another and probably back again. This can be organizationally convenient, but stressful for those who have to move. It is also costly. The authors describe a joint NHS-local authority initiative that allowed care home residents to receive nursing and physiotherapy support in the home. They highlight the benefits that partnership working brought to all concerned.

Read more on PROVIDING NURSING SUPPORT WITHIN CARE HOMES…