Children’s services ‘improving’ – Ofsted
Council-run children’s services have improved significantly, despite workforce shortages compounding difficulties in education and social care, according to Ofsted.
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Councils report increase in child safeguarding
Many councils are seeing an overall increase in safeguarding activity in response to the “multi-faceted challenges” children and families face, according to a new report by the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS).
Adult social care ‘invisible’
The continued “invisibility” of the adult social care sector is “increasingly damaging” to those who draw on care and those who provide unpaid care at a time of increasing need, rising costs and a shrinking workforce.
Support for vulnerable adolescents
Gaps in knowledge and a lack of strategic approach mean the Government cannot yet say whether its plans to spend a further £2 billion will address the needs of families, vulnerable adolescents and children in the most effective way.
Government ‘failing on promises’ on net zero
The Government’s commitment that the public sector should “lead by example” on the road to net zero is not being met, says a report from the Public Accounts Committee.
Autumn Statement: ‘better than feared’
More money for social care and schools, a 7 per cent cap on social housing rent rises, and new devolution deals in Cornwall, Suffolk, Norfolk and the North East were among the announcements in last month’s Autumn Statement.
Low take-up of broadband social tariffs
Households eligible for cheaper broadband deals are not taking up the offer over concerns about slow internet speeds, a survey by consumer group Which? has found.
End crisis of unaccompanied children in hotels, urges LGA
The LGA has called on the Government to end the crisis of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children being placed in hotels.
Housing standards letter sent to councils
All local authorities have been asked to review housing conditions in their area, following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak as a result of mould in his family home.
Cutting community courses ‘could leave job vacancies unfilled’
Future teachers, carers and nurses could be held back from realising their potential if proposed cuts to community learning courses go ahead, the LGA has warned.