I am sure a number of you having recovered from the joys of a last minute election are now, with that distraction out of the way, back to ensuring that your newly elected members are inducted and able to hit the ground running. These are busy times and highlight the range of tasks that we undertake and are involved in, as well as the high profile nature of those tasks. Remember to take some time to tap yourselves on the back. You do a grand job!
Our Tenth Annual Conference – 21 & 22 Nov 19
Just to remind you that our conference will be held on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 November in Bristol, at the Holiday Inn, Bristol Filton. Planning is well underway and we have an exciting line-up, with further details to follow. All I can say at this stage is if you missed out on seeing Steve Head last year, do not make the same mistake twice. A lot of work goes into preparing the conference, for which I am grateful. Particular thanks goes to John Lynch, our Director of Finance, who is leading on preparations this year. And let us not forget it is our tenth anniversary this year – yes our tenth – so all the more reason not to miss out. I look forward to seeing you there.
Health, adult and social care and ageing
I am not sure how many of you saw Panorama last week, which covered the financial crisis that has getting worse in adult social care. The LGA, in an article last week, promoted the programme and paid tribute to Somerset County Council for their invaluable contribution. We are all aware of the pressures in the public sector. That is not a political point but a fact. Something needs to be done. The LGA is calling for cross party working to address this serious matter. Read more here:
http://www.lgcomms.org.uk/resources/blog-news/opening-the-doors-to-panorama
Three quarters of councils move to insource services
I came across an interesting article last week, which I thought I would share. According to LocalGov, a study undertaken by APSE has revealed a shift in authorities bringing services back in-house. You can read more here:
https://www.localgov.co.uk/Three-quarters-of-councils-move-to-insource-services/47512