Welsh councils must co-operate more

Working across local authorities is as critical as forging stronger
links with the NHS in the delivery of early intervention and
prevention, council leaders in Wales heard last week.

Speaking at the Welsh Local Government Association’s autumn seminar
in Swansea, WLGA spokesperson for social services Meryl Gravell
said services such as transport, leisure, housing and education
were “just as vital to children’s and older people’s prospects and
their quality of life” as health services.

Gravell said there was also a need for strong political and
professional leadership, and for greater working between
neighbouring local authorities.

“There needs to be a major cultural change in how we view social
services,” he said. “We must become more creative and innovative at
working across organisational and geographical boundaries, within
local government and, where appropriate, with others.”