Councils will struggle to cope with the financial challenge posed by England’s ageing population and may miss opportunities to innovate and save, says a new report from the Audit Commission.

Under Pressure says most councils do not know enough about the costs of their ageing population. They may also miss the savings that could flow from preventive services and better work with other organisations ‘Most older people live at home, not in care homes. And the longer they do, the happier they are and the less they cost the taxpayer. Innovative, personalised services mean older people stay independent longer, saving public money.

Read more on WATCHDOG WANTS COUNCILS TO BE MORE IMAGINATIVE IN PROVIDING CARE FOR OLDER PEOPLE…

The Early Years Single Funding Formula, which aims to give a clearer and more consistent system of childcare funding, has progressed from 9 pilots to 56 pathfinder councils. The full roll out will be completed in April 2011.

Read more on NEW FORMULA FOR EARLY YEARS FUNDING GOES FROM PILOT TO PATHFINDER…

By Rob Marcus

The public sector, councillors and MPs are lagging behind other European countries in the uptake of social media initiatives. The author looks at the benefits social media has to offer to councils and local and national politicians.

Read more on PUBLIC SECTOR SHOULD WISE UP AND TAKE THE ‘SOCIAL MEDIA PLUNGE’…