THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• AI for Compassionate Care: Agilisys’ Needs Assessment tool is live in 5+ councils — showing how GenAI can move beyond efficiency to deliver smarter, more citizen-centred care.

• Spending Review Boost Needs Clarity: £10B for digital health transformation is promising — but experts call for detail to ensure inclusive, long-term impact.

• NHS Urgency in Somerset: MPs call for funding to rescue stalled infrastructure and rural care — but staffing remains the make-or-break issue.

• Fair Pay, But No Fix Yet: Chancellor pledges future £4B uplift and pay deal — but the sector still waits for urgent, structural reform.

• Northumberland Overspend: £12.5M social care overspend exposes strain from rising demand and high out-of-county placement costs.

GOVERNMENT AI TOOL

AI Tools Need To Go Beyond Time Saving And Transform How Citizens Receive Care

The real promise of AI in public services lies not just in efficiency, but in how it can fundamentally reshape the way citizens receive support. From personalised care plans to faster decision-making and proactive service delivery, AI should be a catalyst for smarter, more compassionate, and more accessible public services.​

With the Agilisys Needs Assessment tool now in over 5+ councils, there is an opportunity to transform social care for the better. ​

Get involved, and have your council be on the forefront of Gen AI transformation. Have a read of the website and book that demo in the link above!

HEALTHCARE STRATEGY

UK Spending Review's Health And Social Care Boost Requires Further Clarity

The UK spending review outlines a promising financial boost for health and social care, featuring a 3% annual NHS budget increase and a £10 billion allocation for digital transformation. However, crucial implementation details are lacking, raising concerns about the long-term impact and inclusivity of technological advancements in the sector.

NHS FUNDING DEBATE

NHS Funding Urgently Needed for Somerset Amid Health Service Challenges

Somerset MPs are urgently appealing for increased NHS funding due to severe constraints, including stalled upgrades at Musgrove Park Hospital and closures in Yeovil. Funding alone won't rectify issues; investment in staffing and retaining talent is critical. Rural healthcare needs intensify the demand for comprehensive support and reforms.

SOCIAL CARE FUNDING

Chancellor Commits to Fair Pay Deal for Overworked Social Care Workers

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a fair pay agreement for social care workers amidst a Spending Review that boosted NHS funding by 3% annually, although significant support for the struggling social care sector remains absent. A future £4bn increase in adult social care funding is promised, yet experts express disappointment over the lack of immediate, meaningful reform needed to fix the system.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHALLENGES

Council Grapples With £12.5 Million Overspend On Social Care Services

Northumberland County Council faces over £12.5 million in overspending on social care due to rising demand and costs. Efforts to balance the budget include implementing efficiency programmes and capital re-profiling, yet high out-of-county placement costs persist, necessitating further local actions and government support.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️