Opinion

• A cry for help?

  With a survey suggesting half of council workers are considering quitting their jobs, Mark Whitehead considers how important it is for managers to ease the fears of the local government workforce.

  

• Implications of tough new housing targets

  Allison Whittington explores the impact a new planning policy framework will have on the number of homes councils will need to deliver.

  

• Cities must embrace technological change to prosper in future

  As we stand on the cusp of another age of automation, Andrew Carter says cities need to prepare and adapt to the coming changes to prosper in the future.

  

• How to solve the delayed transfers of care problem

  Paul Hayes, national director of commissioning operations at Four Seasons Health Care, explores the potential of intermediate care.

  

• Unleashing our commercial potential

  Ken Lyon explains how Birmingham City Council is harnessing its considerable assets and skills to generate extra income.

  

• Bouquets or Brickbats?

  Angie Ledgeway looks at the importance of research in delivering effective results for local initiatives.

  

• Telford takes decisive action

  Clive Jones hits back at recent news coverage surrounding child sexual exploitation in Telford and Wrekin.

  

• Integrated health and social care starts with the network

  Darren Turner explains why having the right network in place is key to the succesful integration of health and social care services.

  

• The voice of a new generation

  Samar Khalil looks at the debate that has divided many, votes at 16, and outlines why this will be a positive move for the future.

  

• Looking to local government to encourage home ownership

  Simon Nosworthy explores what policies have been introduced to help make home ownership more affordable.