The LGA's media office provides the national voice of local government in England and Wales on the major issues of the day for national, regional and local press.
National adult social care organisations have come together to call for a co-produced, national workforce strategy alongside action to improve terms and conditions.
"Councils are committed to ensuring drug users get the right support and treatment, and spend more on drug and alcohol treatment than in any other area of public health. This year alone, local authorities are budgeting to spend more than £700 million on tackling substance misuse."
Over recent years, councils have protected adult social care relative to other services. But the scale of the overall funding picture for local government as a whole means adult social care services still face a £3.6 billion funding gap by 2025, just to maintain existing standards of care.
“It’s good to see mental health finally getting the focus that it deserves. The report makes some important recommendations about how to bring the Mental Health Act up to date and give people a stronger say in their treatment. It’s positive that the review listened to local government and recognises the role of community mental health services in preventing people from reaching crisis point in the first place.
“The LGA has consistently called for a re-focus in mental health services away from medicalisation and treating mental ill health to early intervention and support for recovery through
“Councils are committed to ensuring adults of all ages have access to high quality care and support who need it, but rising costs and demand pressures mean incredibly difficult decisions are having to be made about this vital service."
Without resources specifically earmarked for prevention, we will not see the radical step change in NHS investment that is required to turn the curve on a growing burden of ill-health and long-term conditions.
The cost of providing a breakthrough drug which could lead to the end of HIV nationwide needs to be fully funded before its roll out by councils across the country, or many will be at risk of being unable to afford to deliver it, the Local Government Association warns today.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will be made routinely available from April via local authorities’ public health services, following a successful impact trial. The daily medication is recommended for people at high risk and is considered a game-changer in the fight against HIV, by being highly effective in reducing the
“It is vital that the measures in the childhood obesity plan improve the health of young people, and can help parents make more informed choices about the eating habits and lifestyles of their children.”