Two reports produced today by the Healthcare Commission suggest older people are often denied access to the full range of mental health services available to younger adults and that improvements are needed to adult community specialist mental health services.
Read more on COMMISSION REPORTS HIGHLIGHT GAPS IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES…
A new website has been created to assist professionals who work with unpaid family carers. The site has been developed by the Princess Royal Trust.
The Trust is the largest provider of comprehensive support services for carers, including a network of 144 independently managed Carers’ Centres and range of services and online resources for young carers. The new website offers specialist information for people working with carers in health, education and social services.
Read more on NEW SITE HELPS PROFESSIONALS WORKING WITH CARERS…
This report sets out the findings from a survey of the business community on their views of the way regulations are enforced by local councils and fire and rescue services.
The majority of businesses agree that they have been treated fairly, especially in relation to fire safety, animal health, licensing and food safety. There were mixed reactions on health and safety and environmental protection. But the majority found the contact helpful.
Read more on BUSINESS PERCEPTIONS OF LOCAL AUTHORITY REGULATORY SERVICES…
Campaigners want all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to run their own affairs by setting up full Management Boards. The proposal comes from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England which today issues a call for the future of beautiful landscapes to be at the heart of Government thinking.
Read more on CALL FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL PARKS AND AONBs…
Councils should have more powers to create areas in which cyclists are given priority over cars, according to a national inquiry. The investigation, led by the think-tank the Local Government Information Unit, has concluded that transport regulations need to be reviewed.
Read more on CALL FOR COUNCILS TO HAVE MORE POWER TO GET CAR USERS ON THEIR BIKES…
Average council tax rises across the country will be the lowest ever, according to figures from the Government. The average band D council tax increase will be three per cent and, given that the average household council tax bill is almost 240 pounds lower than the band D figure, the average rise will be just 2.6 per cent.
Read more on AVERAGE INCREASE IN BILLS LOWEST SINCE COUNCIL TAX BEGAN…
Community groups are being asked for their views on how the Government can create social renewal alongside economic renewal during the current recession. The invitation has come from the Council on Social Action, which was set up to advise Government on how to promote social action.
Read more on COMMUNITIES URGED TO HAVE SAY ON SOCIAL REGENERATION DURING RECESSION…
By Robert Fitzgerald.
Because so many agencies are involved in providing services to children, sharing information is a complex issue. Within a council there may be 60 children’s databases developed over many years. The author outlines the potential of a single IT system for children’s services which integrates multiple applications from health, social care, education, youth justice and youth support.
Read more on MOVING TOWARDS A SINGLE SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING CHILDREN’S SERVICES…
Eighteen councils have more money at risk in Icelandic banks than they have in their reserves. Even so, the Audit Commission has said that most councils acted properly, although a number breached financial guidelines.
Havering, Kent, Redcar and Cleveland, Restormel, Bridgnorth, and North East Lincolnshire councils, as well as the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority were described as negligent for depositing money in Icelandic banks on or after October 1, 2008, after credit ratings were significantly downgraded.
The Commission said that less cautious councils put too much faith in credit ratings agencies and external advisers. They also found that one council did not open an email warning of a ratings change, one used out of date information, and one exceeded its own limit for deposits in a single bank.
Nevertheless, the report, which looked at treasury management in local authorities, concluded that there were strengths as well as weaknesses.
Most local authorities with exposure to Icelandic banks had followed guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (Cipfa) which emphasised putting the security and liquidity of investments before maximising the rate of return.
The majority of local authorities saw warning signs in April 2008, and the total deposited in Iceland halved between April and September. Even so, more than £500 million was deposited in that time. The Audit Commission believes the Cipfa guidelines should be strengthened, suggesting they should emphasise the need to consider risks associated with countries or sectors as well as institutions.
The Commission also recommended training for councillors and council officers to help them interpret financial advice.
Audit Commission head Steve Bundred said: “Our report shows that there are lessons that must be learned by everyone – local government, central government, Cipfa and the Commission itself.”
Cllr Margaret Eaton, Chairman of the Local Government Association commented that she expected councils to get back most of the money. She said: “It is in everyone’s interests that councils continue to invest and ensure that they are doing so prudently.”
Read more on AUDIT COMMISSION REPORTS ON COUNCIL’S ICELANDIC INVESTMENTS…
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