bertha@hscpn.org

Meta description: A clear guide to Discretionary Housing Payments in 2026, including who can apply, how councils decide, and what changed in England and Wales. Housing costs are still a real pressure point for many households, and for some people, rent becomes difficult to manage even after housing benefit or Universal Credit has been paid. Discretionary Housing

If you are preparing for a mock inspection today, there is one area that continues to catch out even experienced providers. Travel time and how it is paid. It sounds straightforward, but in reality, it is one of the most common reasons providers fail compliance checks. Regulators and enforcement bodies are looking closely at how

Over the past few years, many providers felt that CQC activity had slowed down. That’s no longer the case. The Care Quality Commission is now more active than it has been in years, and with that comes a noticeable shift in expectations. The way services are assessed, registered, and inspected is changing, and for providers

Vaccinations are one of the most important tools in modern healthcare. They not only protect individuals from serious illness but also reduce pressure on the NHS and safeguard entire communities particularly the most vulnerable. For health and social care providers across England and Wales, having a clear understanding of the NHS vaccination programme is essential

As the UK health and social care sector continues to evolve, digital transformation is no longer optional. It has become essential. With increasing expectations from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) around governance, record-keeping and safe service delivery, many providers are moving away from paper-based systems and adopting digital solutions. The CQC makes it clear that

The UK health and social care sector is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. Rising demand for services, workforce shortages, increasing regulatory requirements and financial pressures are forcing providers to rethink how they operate. One of the most powerful solutions emerging across the sector is collaboration. Across England and Wales, care

World Hearing Day: 3 March 2026 Every year on 3 March, the global health community marks World Hearing Day. Led by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day serves as a vital call to action for the prevention of deafness and the promotion of ear and hearing care. The theme for 2026, “From communities to

Breaking News: NHS GP Contract 2026 – Same-Day Urgent Care and £500m Investment In a landmark move for primary care, the UK government has unveiled the 2026/27 GP Contract, backed by a massive £485 million funding boost. For those of us working across the health and social care landscape, this update signals a transformative shift

The next 24 months are about moving from “reactive” to “proactive” management. Whether you run a domiciliary care agency, a residential home, or supported living, these dates are your new compliance milestones. Phase 1: The 2026 “Day-One” Revolution From April 2026, several core rights for care workers become “Day-One” rights, meaning there is no longer