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Dear colleague,
With 12 December now set as the date for the forthcoming general election, we can be sure that the next few weeks will see our political parties in full ‘campaign mode’. The extent to which social care, public health and the NHS will feature on the campaign trail remains to be seen but, based on recent previous elections, it is safe to assume these issues will surface – possibly even in a defining way. The timing of the election may give an unusual air to this month’s annual National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC). But as colleagues gather in Bournemouth for three days, I’m sure we’ll see members of all political colours joining forces to showcase the vital role local government plays in improving wellbeing and set out what is needed from whoever forms the next government to ensure councils have the resources, freedoms and powers they need to keep delivering.
Adult social care funding and long-term reform; public health and a real shift of emphasis toward prevention; the role of councils in driving forward integration: these will all be guaranteed talking points at NCASC as councils demonstrate their resilience, innovation and willingness to work beyond strict party lines. Our national politicians would do well to listen and take note as the race for Number 10 takes shape. I look forward to seeing you in Bournemouth so we can collectively play our part in making sure local government’s voice is heard loud and clear.
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Cllr Ian Hudspeth
Chairman, LGA Community Wellbeing
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Stories
Suicide prevention sector led improvement programme
The LGA has joined up with the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) to launch a suicide prevention sector led improvement programme. This provides an opportunity for councils and partners to learn from one another and share good practice. There will be a series of tools, products and events to help learning and grant funding allocated to ADPH networks to develop and support regional suicide prevention activity.
Local authority health profiles 2019
Local Authority Health Profiles 2019 were published on 22 October. These profiles provide a summary of the health of the population in each local authority area. They are designed to help local government and health services understand their community’s needs, so that they can work together to improve people’s health and reduce health inequalities.
LGA/ADPH public health conference and exhibition
We are now taking bookings for our annual flagship LGA/ADPH public health conference and exhibition, taking place on 24 March 2020 in Brighton.
Cold Weather Plan for England
The Cold Weather Plan for England aims to raise both professional and public awareness of the health impacts of cold temperatures and is a key component of emergency planning.
Community Access to Cash Initiative: UK Finance
UK Finance has announced the Community Access to Cash Initiative, which commits to ensuring local communities have appropriate free access to cash by helping them identify non-ATM cash and payment services. The initiative will operate on a ‘test and learn basis’ and provide grant support and guidance to successful applicants. Communities will be able to apply via elected officials (including local councillors) from 31 October to 31 January, with awards made by 31 March next year.
Community mental health framework
NHS England has published the community mental health framework which describes how the Long Term Plan’s vision for a place-based community mental health model can be realised. The new approach will be piloted in 12 areas. Mark Trewin, the Department of Health and Social Care's Mental Health Social Work Lead, has blogged about the opportunities for local government. The Centre for Mental Health has produced a summary briefing.
Parliamentary
Queen's Speech
The Queen has set out the Government’s legislative agenda as part of Parliament’s State Opening. In this Queen’s Speech, the Government has bought forward proposals on a range of key issues for local government, particularly around devolution, local growth, Brexit, health and social care, building safety, preventing domestic abuse and protecting the environment. We have undertaken a thorough analysis of the Speech and the supporting documents. Our full on-the-day briefing contains our headline response to the key measures affecting local government, as well as an LGA view on the key announcements. As part of our #CouncilsCan campaign, we will continue to make the case for a long-term settlement that gives local government the powers, funding and certainty to transform their areas.
Publications
Helping to support and transform the lives of people affected by alcohol
LGA
Making Safeguarding Personal 2018/19 case studies
LGA
Suicide prevention sector-led improvement prospectus 2019/20
LGA / ADPH
Local government social care data standards and interoperability
LGA
Managing the menopause at work
LGA
Sharing ideas
Use of resources in adult social care
We have worked with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and councils to develop a 13 step approach to help senior officers to look at how resources are used in adult social care and to improve value for money where possible. This is now available through LG Inform, which both members and officials can access by registering on the platform. For further information please contact amanda.whittaker-brown@local.gov.uk.
Helping people to discuss adult social care and its funding
Talk Shop has produced a free discussion kit about adult social care and its funding. A small group can organise their own discussion in someone’s home using one kit, or several kits can be used in a public event, when Talk Shop may be able to provide a facilitator. There is also a resource for people to explore the same issues online.
Events
Local Area Research + Intelligence Association conference 2019
5 November 2019 | Birmingham
Leadership Essentials residential sessions
5-6 November 2019 | Warwick Conferences
Taking a public health approach to tackle violent crime
13 November 2019 | London
National Children and Adult Services Conference and Exhibition 2019
20-22 November 2019 | Bournemouth
Arts on prescription: cutting edge research, collaborative practice and engaging opportunities
21 November 2019 | London
Annual HWB chairs and co-chairs summit
18 March 2020 | London
LGA/ADPH annual public health conference and exhibition 2020
24 March 2020 | London
Harnessing culture and sport to deliver social prescribing
22 April 2020 | London
LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2020
30 June - 2 July 2020 | Harrogate
Media
LGA and NALC join forces to tackle loneliness
29 October 2019
LGA responds to Government's sexual and reproductive health strategy announcement
24 October 2019
LGA responds to NHS digital report into rising social care requests
22 October 2019
first magazine
First Magazine - now online
'first' is LGA's membership magazine and is received as a hard copy by over 18,000 councillors and 400 chief executives. In a response to demand, we have made it easier to read online by creating a dedicated website to read all of its articles, interviews and opinion pieces.
Highlights:
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