Richard Humphries

Promotional graphic for a Smith Square Debates event titled “Care where we live: what needs to change in local government for adult social care reform?” Taking place 24 March, 5.15pm–8.00pm. Speakers listed: Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Rt Hon Dame Patricia Hewitt DBE, Rt Hon Damian Green, and Richard Humphries. Venue: 18 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ.

Join our Smith Square Debate: Care where we live: what needs to change in local government for ASC reform? This high-profile debate brings people connected to #AdultSocialCare together to consider the role of #LocalGov in a future reformed system. Full details at: https://orlo.uk/8ZLwl

Just listened to Dame Louise Casey on #r4today. Its always been easier to describe what’s wrong with #socialcare than put it right. Hopefully she’ll say more this afternoon at the @nuffieldtrust.org.uk summit.

Europe on the Edge with Katya Adler Aggression, ambition and allies. Western Europe has long played a central role on the global stage, but how will it confront the challenges of a turbulent new era?

Superb, insightful series. I suspect those who most need to watch this will not.

At MHA, we’ve now made our views known to the Home Office on their consultation on the proposed changes to settlement, telling them that their proposals will have real consequences for adult social care. www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

Lost my phone in London, with four credit cards and £150 cash in the case. Returned to me within 21 minutes. This hellhole of a city eh.

Social care - charging for care and support 2026 to 2027: local authority circular

Details here www.gov.uk/government/p...

Stephen Kinnock on X: "From April more than 150,000 working age disabled adults will keep hundreds of pounds more a year, to help with everyday costs. Plus our £723 million investment will fund life-changing home adaptations, so older and disabled people can live independently. https://t.co/vkjqPhrULI" / X From April more than 150,000 working age disabled adults will keep hundreds of pounds more a year, to help with everyday costs. Plus our £723 million investment will fund life-changing home adaptations, so older and disabled people can live independently. https://t.co/vkjqPhrULI

Welcome but disappointing that for the 16th year in a row financial thresholds for publicly funded #socialcare remain frozen. The means test keeps getting meaner.

Shame he wasn’t asked why the financial thresholds for publicly funded social care have been frozen again. For 16 years in a row the means test has got meaner. #r4today

1/2 Care minister on #r4today proudly announcing uplift to minimum income guarantee for disabled people & disabled facilitates grant. Welcome, but

Also I’m puzzled as to why such a wealthy man can’t manage a decent haircut?

As ever, @sathnam.bsky.social nails it.

Looks a bit damp? (watching from Madeira). Nice goal.

The complex story of public health and prevention spending in local government | The King's Fund What do longer term trends in local government spending tell us about the government’s commitment to the prevention shift?

“the most disadvantaged councils have lost the most funding compared to the least” good analysis
www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-...

Anas who?

“An absolute rag of a publication”. I shall not be cancelling my subscription.

Reform UK admits Kent council’s Musk-inspired cost-cutting drive found little waste County councillors say former Conservative administration ‘weren’t crazy, they were business people’

Oh

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Let’s avoid unintended consequences in the Fair Pay Agreement The Fair Pay Agreement could transform adult social care, but success depends on funding, scope and representation within the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body

My colleague Cathryn Taylor shares MHA's thoughts and concerns about the forthcoming Fair Pay Agreement Negotiating Body mha.org.uk/news-and-blo...

Good.

”The Commission on Adult Social Care wants to hear from you”:

A photo of Lord Forsyth

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean has been elected the fifth Lord Speaker.

Lord Forsyth will take office and preside from the woolsack for the first time as Lord Speaker on 2 February.

Read more https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2026/jan-2026/lord-speaker-election-result/

Jim Thomas obituary Other lives: Health and social care consultant with a deep suspicion of rules for the sake of rules

A good man. How the world so needs more people like Jim Thomas.

Wishing friends & followers a happy new year

‘A stream of negativity and abuse’: why are Labour MPs still sticking with X? Despite concerns, politicians continue to use Elon Musk’s platform in search of a ‘civilised debate’ with constituents

Why do people stay on X - the lemmings argument

👍🎄

Thoughtful post that goes to the heart of how to move towards a national care service in the context of wide local variations in spending and need. This is not straightforward.

Announced yesterday this is getting little media attention but has profound consequences for local services over the next 3 years & needs careful analysis

Hospitals in England ‘face dangerous winter overcrowding due to discharge delays’ Exclusive: Analysis of NHS data shows rise in patients ‘stranded’ in beds as flu crisis hits and resident doctors’ strikes loom

so great that Labour's adult care policy amounts to a Louise Casey report and an unspecified pay rise in about 2028 www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Indeed. What do you think @davidjbuck.bsky.social ?

Adult social care workers provide a vital public service, but this is not reflected in their pay and job conditions.

So, it is welcome that the Government is creating the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body - our latest briefing note looks at how to ensure its success.

➡️ buff.ly/veEOJFN