The government is to establish a new fund of at least £200 million to support the co-location of services - schools, nurseries, health and other family services all on one site.
I'm often calling for policy measures to have risk assessments of potential damage to local social networks, so it's good to think this sort of initiative would come out positive. I can see how it could make a very significant difference in neighbourhoods, if it genuinely happens at local level.
But if it means that some local services get aggregated into a hyperservice several miles further away (the old cottage hospital vs county hospital scenario) it could have very negative effects.
There's also a commitment to legislate to ensure that local services – including schools, health services and the police – work together to improve outcomes for children and young people. (Thinks... why is legislation necessary?...)
