Gill Hitchcock
@gillhitchcock.bsky.social
Posting about politics, public services and saving the NHS.
Retired journalist.
The Guardian archive
www.theguardian.com/profile/gillhitchcock
Retired journalist.
The Guardian archive
www.theguardian.com/profile/gillhitchcock
Consultants aren't cheap.
They cost the government at least £1.4bn a year.
But there's a lack of data about why consultants are used.
It could be that government isn't building the inhouse capabilities it needs.
@nao.org.uk bit.ly/3KcIicC
They cost the government at least £1.4bn a year.
But there's a lack of data about why consultants are used.
It could be that government isn't building the inhouse capabilities it needs.
@nao.org.uk bit.ly/3KcIicC
Government’s use of external consultants - NAO insight
In this report, we share lessons to help the government maximise the value it achieves from its use of consultants.
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Consultants aren't cheap.
They cost the government at least £1.4bn a year.
But there's a lack of data about why consultants are used.
It could be that government isn't building the inhouse capabilities it needs.
@nao.org.uk bit.ly/3KcIicC
They cost the government at least £1.4bn a year.
But there's a lack of data about why consultants are used.
It could be that government isn't building the inhouse capabilities it needs.
@nao.org.uk bit.ly/3KcIicC
Rachel Reeves implies that everyone should pay more tax.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says 10% of the UK population owns 57% of wealth, while 50% own less than 5%.
Inequality is fuelled by a tax system stacked in favour of the ultra-rich.
Here's how things could be fairer.
bit.ly/47C9462
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says 10% of the UK population owns 57% of wealth, while 50% own less than 5%.
Inequality is fuelled by a tax system stacked in favour of the ultra-rich.
Here's how things could be fairer.
bit.ly/47C9462
How to raise £60 billion for public services: our ten tax reforms
The UK’s super-rich have accumulated record levels of wealth in recent years, while our public services have been decimated and inequality has soared.
taxjustice.uk
November 4, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Rachel Reeves implies that everyone should pay more tax.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says 10% of the UK population owns 57% of wealth, while 50% own less than 5%.
Inequality is fuelled by a tax system stacked in favour of the ultra-rich.
Here's how things could be fairer.
bit.ly/47C9462
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says 10% of the UK population owns 57% of wealth, while 50% own less than 5%.
Inequality is fuelled by a tax system stacked in favour of the ultra-rich.
Here's how things could be fairer.
bit.ly/47C9462
We're so fortunate to have the completed work on public view in Tate Britain.
This is one of the studies (1885) John Singer Sargent made for 'Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose.' The lanterns which we can see here were painted with very thin layers of paint; this allowed the light to seem like it was emanating from within rather than just sitting on the surface.
November 3, 2025 at 9:39 PM
We're so fortunate to have the completed work on public view in Tate Britain.
Anyone using an ultrasound machine can call themselves a sonographer and offer baby scans.
The consequences can be devastating.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The consequences can be devastating.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Warning over high street baby scans giving 'dangerous advice'
Some high-street clinics are risking lives by letting untrained staff do baby scans, warn experts.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Anyone using an ultrasound machine can call themselves a sonographer and offer baby scans.
The consequences can be devastating.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The consequences can be devastating.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
NHS leaders warn that without £3bn emergency fundiing hospitals will start rationing treatment.
This, while the Home Office is squandering billions by mismanaging private contracts worth an unbelievable £15.3bn to house asylum seekers.
bit.ly/3J6t7Bv
This, while the Home Office is squandering billions by mismanaging private contracts worth an unbelievable £15.3bn to house asylum seekers.
bit.ly/3J6t7Bv
Home Affairs Committee - Publications - Committees - UK Parliament
Publications for Home Affairs Committee
bit.ly
October 27, 2025 at 9:40 AM
NHS leaders warn that without £3bn emergency fundiing hospitals will start rationing treatment.
This, while the Home Office is squandering billions by mismanaging private contracts worth an unbelievable £15.3bn to house asylum seekers.
bit.ly/3J6t7Bv
This, while the Home Office is squandering billions by mismanaging private contracts worth an unbelievable £15.3bn to house asylum seekers.
bit.ly/3J6t7Bv
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
The beloved BBC Radio 4 programme In Our Time has been awarded the 2025 British Academy President’s Medal!
Professor Susan J Smith, President of the British Academy, praised the programme for bringing rigorous yet accessible discussion of complex ideas to millions of listeners: buff.ly/1bn63FD
Professor Susan J Smith, President of the British Academy, praised the programme for bringing rigorous yet accessible discussion of complex ideas to millions of listeners: buff.ly/1bn63FD
October 17, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The beloved BBC Radio 4 programme In Our Time has been awarded the 2025 British Academy President’s Medal!
Professor Susan J Smith, President of the British Academy, praised the programme for bringing rigorous yet accessible discussion of complex ideas to millions of listeners: buff.ly/1bn63FD
Professor Susan J Smith, President of the British Academy, praised the programme for bringing rigorous yet accessible discussion of complex ideas to millions of listeners: buff.ly/1bn63FD
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Not content with being the King of America, Donald Trump seems bent on becoming the King of the World. Latest Politics Weekly America, featuring my excellent colleague Andrew Roth open.spotify.com/episode/4e7F...
Donald Trump: King of the world?
open.spotify.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Not content with being the King of America, Donald Trump seems bent on becoming the King of the World. Latest Politics Weekly America, featuring my excellent colleague Andrew Roth open.spotify.com/episode/4e7F...
The 'independent' IFS argues that our most vulnerable citizens should pay to fix the UK's financial woes.
It says nothing about tackling tax abuse by rich individuals and companies, nor stopping private providers of public servies from robbing taxpayers' money.
bit.ly/43odP1E
It says nothing about tackling tax abuse by rich individuals and companies, nor stopping private providers of public servies from robbing taxpayers' money.
bit.ly/43odP1E
Rachel Reeves should consider welfare cuts in budget, IFS says
Thinktank urges chancellor to take ‘bold’ action on benefits and pensions to placate jittery financial markets
bit.ly
October 16, 2025 at 11:09 AM
The 'independent' IFS argues that our most vulnerable citizens should pay to fix the UK's financial woes.
It says nothing about tackling tax abuse by rich individuals and companies, nor stopping private providers of public servies from robbing taxpayers' money.
bit.ly/43odP1E
It says nothing about tackling tax abuse by rich individuals and companies, nor stopping private providers of public servies from robbing taxpayers' money.
bit.ly/43odP1E
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Ada Lovelace used mathematics to design the world’s first algorithm intended for a machine. This was done decades before computers were even built!
Who is a woman in STEM that inspires you? 👩🔬🧪
#AdaLovelace #WomeninSTEM #Science
Who is a woman in STEM that inspires you? 👩🔬🧪
#AdaLovelace #WomeninSTEM #Science
October 14, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Ada Lovelace used mathematics to design the world’s first algorithm intended for a machine. This was done decades before computers were even built!
Who is a woman in STEM that inspires you? 👩🔬🧪
#AdaLovelace #WomeninSTEM #Science
Who is a woman in STEM that inspires you? 👩🔬🧪
#AdaLovelace #WomeninSTEM #Science
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Bank of England Governor warns of vulnerable global financial system & possible crash.
Inflated stock markets
AI overvalued
No regulation of shadow banking
Excessive debt - if one domino falls
Deregulation of finance
Trump tariffs
Who will pick-up the cost of bailouts?
archive.md/gQ3x2
Inflated stock markets
AI overvalued
No regulation of shadow banking
Excessive debt - if one domino falls
Deregulation of finance
Trump tariffs
Who will pick-up the cost of bailouts?
archive.md/gQ3x2
G20 risk watchdog warns of potential for financial market crash
The latest surge in global share prices and other assets has left markets susceptible to a crash given the current uncertain economic and geopolitical backdrop, the G20's risk watchdog said on Monday.
www.reuters.com
October 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Bank of England Governor warns of vulnerable global financial system & possible crash.
Inflated stock markets
AI overvalued
No regulation of shadow banking
Excessive debt - if one domino falls
Deregulation of finance
Trump tariffs
Who will pick-up the cost of bailouts?
archive.md/gQ3x2
Inflated stock markets
AI overvalued
No regulation of shadow banking
Excessive debt - if one domino falls
Deregulation of finance
Trump tariffs
Who will pick-up the cost of bailouts?
archive.md/gQ3x2
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
New figures out today show an increase in unemployment, as well as a decrease in employment and economic inactivity in June-August compared to May-July.
Our updated explainer has the figures 👇
fullfact.org/economy/empl...
Our updated explainer has the figures 👇
fullfact.org/economy/empl...
Unemployment and jobs: what’s changed under Labour? – Full Fact
Labour and the Conservatives have made seemingly contrasting claims about the state of the labour market—here’s what the figures show.
fullfact.org
October 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
New figures out today show an increase in unemployment, as well as a decrease in employment and economic inactivity in June-August compared to May-July.
Our updated explainer has the figures 👇
fullfact.org/economy/empl...
Our updated explainer has the figures 👇
fullfact.org/economy/empl...
Would comprehensive social care free to those who need it, regardless of income and savings work for the UK?
This would be similar to the way the NHS works and how adult social care works in Denmark and other countries too.
bit.ly/42Bssyt
This would be similar to the way the NHS works and how adult social care works in Denmark and other countries too.
bit.ly/42Bssyt
Fixing Social Care: The Six Key Problems And How To Tackle Them
Different people have different opinions about what’s ‘wrong’ with social care and how to fix it. This long read outlines the six key issues and the options cited to tackle them.
bit.ly
October 10, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Would comprehensive social care free to those who need it, regardless of income and savings work for the UK?
This would be similar to the way the NHS works and how adult social care works in Denmark and other countries too.
bit.ly/42Bssyt
This would be similar to the way the NHS works and how adult social care works in Denmark and other countries too.
bit.ly/42Bssyt
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
BREAKING: The National Union of Journalists describe the Conservative Party's banning of Byline Times journalists from covering their conference as a threat to media freedom which "undermines the Conservative Party leader’s repeated pledge to fight for free speech"
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Conservatives Accused of ‘Trumpian’ Tactics After Barring Second Byline Times Journalist From Conference
The National Union of Journalists described the bans as a threat to media freedom which "undermines the Conservative Party leader’s repeated pledge to fight for free speech"
bylinetimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 9:05 AM
BREAKING: The National Union of Journalists describe the Conservative Party's banning of Byline Times journalists from covering their conference as a threat to media freedom which "undermines the Conservative Party leader’s repeated pledge to fight for free speech"
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
bylinetimes.com/2025/10/08/c...
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
What could the implications be if #NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) - a package of NHS funded care - is not improved?
@rachelhutchings.bsky.social's latest blog explains some concerning findings from her research on this poorly understood service. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nh...
@rachelhutchings.bsky.social's latest blog explains some concerning findings from her research on this poorly understood service. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nh...
NHS continuing health care: consigned to the too difficult box?
Alongside our new research today on NHS continuing health care (CHC), the report's lead author Rachel Hutchings sets out why CHC is important, what we found in our research, and describes what the imp...
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk
October 6, 2025 at 8:42 AM
What could the implications be if #NHS continuing healthcare (CHC) - a package of NHS funded care - is not improved?
@rachelhutchings.bsky.social's latest blog explains some concerning findings from her research on this poorly understood service. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nh...
@rachelhutchings.bsky.social's latest blog explains some concerning findings from her research on this poorly understood service. 👇
www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/nh...
Thanks @orielcolwyn.bsky.social for a great day 1 of the North Eye photography festival.
Including an inspirational talk by the great Martin Parr.
To paraphrase Parr: the beauty of photograph is that you never know what you are going to get.
Here is young Parr with his dad.
bit.ly/4o4h7PJ
Including an inspirational talk by the great Martin Parr.
To paraphrase Parr: the beauty of photograph is that you never know what you are going to get.
Here is young Parr with his dad.
bit.ly/4o4h7PJ
October 4, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Thanks @orielcolwyn.bsky.social for a great day 1 of the North Eye photography festival.
Including an inspirational talk by the great Martin Parr.
To paraphrase Parr: the beauty of photograph is that you never know what you are going to get.
Here is young Parr with his dad.
bit.ly/4o4h7PJ
Including an inspirational talk by the great Martin Parr.
To paraphrase Parr: the beauty of photograph is that you never know what you are going to get.
Here is young Parr with his dad.
bit.ly/4o4h7PJ
"Residents receive exceptional health & personal care, promoting their overall wellbeing & ensuring they lead a joyful, satisfying life in a surrounding that is nurturing, comfortable and supportive," says Morar Care Homes of its "luxurious" facilities.
The BBC uncovers the truth.
bit.ly/4mIkCdm
The BBC uncovers the truth.
bit.ly/4mIkCdm
Disclosure - Care Home Undercover
Undercover exposé of a care home in crisis. Disclosure reveals the reality for some elderly residents at a large nursing home in the Highlands.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
"Residents receive exceptional health & personal care, promoting their overall wellbeing & ensuring they lead a joyful, satisfying life in a surrounding that is nurturing, comfortable and supportive," says Morar Care Homes of its "luxurious" facilities.
The BBC uncovers the truth.
bit.ly/4mIkCdm
The BBC uncovers the truth.
bit.ly/4mIkCdm
"As I wheeled my cleaning trolley round the corridors, I was acutely aware of pleading faces peering out of bedrooms, hoping for a few minutes of company and conversation."
And for £1,800 a week.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And for £1,800 a week.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I went undercover as a cleaner at a failing care home.
Catriona MacPhee worked in a Highland care home for seven weeks as part of BBC Disclosure investigation.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 1, 2025 at 8:51 AM
"As I wheeled my cleaning trolley round the corridors, I was acutely aware of pleading faces peering out of bedrooms, hoping for a few minutes of company and conversation."
And for £1,800 a week.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And for £1,800 a week.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
It's National Black Dog Day 2025, dedicated to celebrating them and encouraging people to adopt them from shelters.
So here's beautiful Whizz, adopted from @dogstrust.bsky.social
in 2021. She's a joy.
So here's beautiful Whizz, adopted from @dogstrust.bsky.social
in 2021. She's a joy.
October 1, 2025 at 8:40 AM
It's National Black Dog Day 2025, dedicated to celebrating them and encouraging people to adopt them from shelters.
So here's beautiful Whizz, adopted from @dogstrust.bsky.social
in 2021. She's a joy.
So here's beautiful Whizz, adopted from @dogstrust.bsky.social
in 2021. She's a joy.
Theatr Clwyd's £50m refit is a triumph for #Wales.
On a first visit to the 'new' theatre this week, much enjoyed Ayckbourn's Snake in the Grass.
Its Welsh-English bilingual Romeo & Juliet is off on tour ending at London's Globe, the 1st time Welsh will heard on the South Bank.
bit.ly/46yiErv
On a first visit to the 'new' theatre this week, much enjoyed Ayckbourn's Snake in the Grass.
Its Welsh-English bilingual Romeo & Juliet is off on tour ending at London's Globe, the 1st time Welsh will heard on the South Bank.
bit.ly/46yiErv
‘The language adds a whole new level’: Welsh-English version of Romeo and Juliet heads for the Globe
Bilingual production by Theatr Cymru is expected to be first time Welsh will be heard at South Bank venue
bit.ly
September 26, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Theatr Clwyd's £50m refit is a triumph for #Wales.
On a first visit to the 'new' theatre this week, much enjoyed Ayckbourn's Snake in the Grass.
Its Welsh-English bilingual Romeo & Juliet is off on tour ending at London's Globe, the 1st time Welsh will heard on the South Bank.
bit.ly/46yiErv
On a first visit to the 'new' theatre this week, much enjoyed Ayckbourn's Snake in the Grass.
Its Welsh-English bilingual Romeo & Juliet is off on tour ending at London's Globe, the 1st time Welsh will heard on the South Bank.
bit.ly/46yiErv
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Think the Tony Blair Institute looks sinister? You've not seen anything yet. Crucial investigation by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and Democracy for Sale:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/inside-the...
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/inside-the...
Inside the Tony Blair Institute
A former PM, tech tycoon Larry Ellison and Britain's data - what could go wrong?
democracyforsale.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Think the Tony Blair Institute looks sinister? You've not seen anything yet. Crucial investigation by @petergeoghegan.bsky.social and Democracy for Sale:
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/inside-the...
democracyforsale.substack.com/p/inside-the...
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Patients have complained about disruption to outpatients bookings and waiting lists following the introduction of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
www.digitalhealth.net/2025/09/pati...
www.digitalhealth.net/2025/09/pati...
Patients complain about disruption following new EPR in Sheffield
Patients have complained about disruption to outpatient bookings following the introduction of a new EPR at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
www.digitalhealth.net
September 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Patients have complained about disruption to outpatients bookings and waiting lists following the introduction of a new electronic patient record (EPR) system at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
www.digitalhealth.net/2025/09/pati...
www.digitalhealth.net/2025/09/pati...
Reposted by Gill Hitchcock
Privatisation of UK industries driving cost of living crisis & inequality.
People ripped off by water, energy, rail, mail companies.
Profiteering at care homes, dentists, GP surgeries, cataract clinics. Social housing destroyed.
Privatisation is a scam. Delivered low investment, poor service.
People ripped off by water, energy, rail, mail companies.
Profiteering at care homes, dentists, GP surgeries, cataract clinics. Social housing destroyed.
Privatisation is a scam. Delivered low investment, poor service.
Privatisation of UK industries is driving cost of living crisis, says Greens leader
Zack Polanski calls mass privatisation a ‘failed experiment’ as report finds it has cost UK households £250 a year more
www.theguardian.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:22 AM
Privatisation of UK industries driving cost of living crisis & inequality.
People ripped off by water, energy, rail, mail companies.
Profiteering at care homes, dentists, GP surgeries, cataract clinics. Social housing destroyed.
Privatisation is a scam. Delivered low investment, poor service.
People ripped off by water, energy, rail, mail companies.
Profiteering at care homes, dentists, GP surgeries, cataract clinics. Social housing destroyed.
Privatisation is a scam. Delivered low investment, poor service.
Private Eye hits the nail on the head.
But it isn't responsible for the possibility of us being deemed a nation of losers and getting hammered by a massive tariff.
@privateeyenews.bsky.social
But it isn't responsible for the possibility of us being deemed a nation of losers and getting hammered by a massive tariff.
@privateeyenews.bsky.social
September 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Private Eye hits the nail on the head.
But it isn't responsible for the possibility of us being deemed a nation of losers and getting hammered by a massive tariff.
@privateeyenews.bsky.social
But it isn't responsible for the possibility of us being deemed a nation of losers and getting hammered by a massive tariff.
@privateeyenews.bsky.social
NHS GPs provide a wonderful service.
But the BMJ finds that one in three GPs in England don't work in the NHS, while it costs taxpayers £430,540 for each GP to qualify.
Wes Streeting should start improving retention by addressing burnout.
@bma.org.uk @patients-association.org.uk
bit.ly/4nc2ee9
But the BMJ finds that one in three GPs in England don't work in the NHS, while it costs taxpayers £430,540 for each GP to qualify.
Wes Streeting should start improving retention by addressing burnout.
@bma.org.uk @patients-association.org.uk
bit.ly/4nc2ee9
September 18, 2025 at 12:56 PM
NHS GPs provide a wonderful service.
But the BMJ finds that one in three GPs in England don't work in the NHS, while it costs taxpayers £430,540 for each GP to qualify.
Wes Streeting should start improving retention by addressing burnout.
@bma.org.uk @patients-association.org.uk
bit.ly/4nc2ee9
But the BMJ finds that one in three GPs in England don't work in the NHS, while it costs taxpayers £430,540 for each GP to qualify.
Wes Streeting should start improving retention by addressing burnout.
@bma.org.uk @patients-association.org.uk
bit.ly/4nc2ee9