A crisis of indifference

Hundreds of councillors and council leaders gathered in Birmingham last week to discuss the big issues facing local government. But it while the sun was shining bright there was a destiny dark cloud over head.

We’ve become used to hearing of the dramatic and disproportionate cuts affecting local government. We’ve seen in every community – though some much more than others – the real impact as basic services have been reduced, facilities lost and a fire sale on land and property.

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We need a properly funded social care system, with greater devolved powers to local areas like ours

A nation should be judged on how it invests in the next generation, and how it looks after those who have contributed all their lives to our country. On both tests the government has consistently failed.

 

Earlier this year, the Secretary of State for Health announced a forthcoming green paper which will lay out plans to tackle the country’s escalating adult social care crisis. A decade on from the financial crisis and after eight hard years of cuts to local authorities, there has been little action on putting in place a foundation of fair funding for the future. Meanwhile, there has been at best a half-hearted effort to devolve and forge integrated health provision at a city and local level. The green paper must address a range of key challenges.

Celebrating Co-operative Fortnight

Last week I spent time with some of our co-ops and mutuals in Oldham today.

As we draw to the end of Coops Fortnight I wanted to showcase the work down locally which contributes to the £36bn economic contribution to the U.K.

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Our NHS turns 70!

Last week it was great to spend the #NHS70 at the Royal Oldham Hospital with staff, patients and volunteers.

Our NHS is central to community life and the envy of many. It faces serious pressures and it’s vital it sees real investment and joined up investment in community services too.

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A visit to OL1!

OL1 have been a fantastic community hub since their establishment in 2015. The group is made up of volunteers who come together along with local stakeholders to see how better they can improve the area they live in with a goal of encouraging community growth.

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