The Editorial Team Damage to children’s mental health caused by the coronavirus crisis could last for years without a “rocket boost in funding” for children’s mental health services, the Children’s Commissioner for England has warned.
The Government has announced an extra £120 million for councils to help tackle staffing issues in adult social care. The money can be used for additional care staff where shortages arise, support for administrative tasks so experienced and skilled staff can focus on providing care and help, and overtime payments or help with childcare costs so existing staff can take on extra hours, if they wish.
The Government has renewed its commitment to levelling up as part of the recovery from the pandemic, with new announcements focusing on better access to high-quality education, improved infrastructure in town centres, and more public sector jobs outside of London.
Seamless support and a ‘welcoming hub’ for families are among new proposals for ensuring babies and young children get the best possible start to life.
Plans to reform health and care services in England so they can work more closely together have been published in a Government White Paper.
Despite increased government support, councils need a further £2.6 billion in this financial year to plug funding gaps arising from the pandemic.
The LGA offers seminars and events to help councillors build valuable networks with their peers, including dedicated sessions for women, ethnic minority and younger elected members.
Local government workers, firefighters, teachers, police officers and foster carers were among the public sector workers on the New Year Honours List 2021.
Priority groups are receiving their first vaccine doses as the country begins another round of national lockdowns.
Councils can make a difference when it comes to helping young people at risk of dropping out of school or work.