Wide variation uncovered in how NHS and local authorities work together when applying the Mental Health Act - CQC

People might not be getting the specialist mental healthcare they need and when they need it most because of disparity in how approved mental health professional services are provided across the country.  Click here for further details.

Viva la devolution: devolved public-services commissioning

This report from Reform argues for the devolution of over £100 billion of public-services spending, including 95 per cent of the NHS’ budget. It suggests that 38 large councils across England should control spending to improve outcomes for citizens and that NHS England and CCGs should be abolished to cede commissioning to local authorities.

Councillors' perceptions of Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships

This LGA survey of local councillors finds that less than a quarter of respondents are confident that STPs will succeed and that the majority feel that they have not been involved with shaping, commenting on or approving of the plans. The report argues that STPs  should be more democratically accountable through local health and wellbeing boards, which should also be given a legal duty to sign off the plans.