Wigan Council x Agilisys Transform

Needs Assessment can take far too long, putting strain on social workers and delaying critical support for families. The Agilisys Needs Assessment tool has helped social workers reduce workload, improve efficiency, and meet statutory deadlines - all while saving money. ​

Watch Wigan Councils journey and see how the Needs Assessment tool is saving Social Workers valuable time per Needs Assessment, ensuring compliance, and making life easier for social workers and residents.

EDITOR’S INSIGHT💬

Cutting Through the Fog: What Social Care Leaders Can Do When Policy Lacks Clarity

For those leading adult social care in the UK, the biggest challenge right now isn’t lack of ambition—it’s lack of clarity. Government plans, often vague or delayed, are leaving senior care professionals in limbo. Without clear direction on funding, reform timelines, or workforce strategy, the sector is forced into reactive mode, where short-term fixes replace long-term vision.

This policy fog has real consequences. Recruitment and retention—already strained—become harder when prospective staff view the sector as unstable. For those already in the system, uncertainty breeds burnout. And for those who rely on care? It risks service disruptions and unmet needs.

In areas like South Lanarkshire, we’ve seen how even well-meaning policy shifts can miss the mark when they fail to account for local system complexity. One-size-fits-all solutions rarely land cleanly in a sector as interdependent and resource-stretched as adult social care.

So what can leaders do when the national picture remains blurred?

The most effective response is local resilience. Strong partnerships across health, housing, and voluntary services can create more stable care ecosystems. Embedding regular, structured feedback loops between frontline staff and system leaders can help flag policy risks early and shape more grounded local responses. And while national signals may remain mixed, clarity within organisations—about values, priorities, and practical goals—can steady teams and safeguard quality.

HEALTHCARE FUNDING

NHS And Social Care Face Looming Budget Constraints Amidst Rising Demands

The Spring Budget 2025 disappoints by providing little new support for the NHS and social care, sticking to previous commitments on workforce, technology, and efficiency without additional funding. With a day-to-day budget increase of under 2% in real terms, the NHS faces mounting criticisms over its inadequate investment to tackle record waiting lists and overstretched resources. The national focus on preventing illnesses lacks a clear directive in the budget, though February's £200m rise in public health funding slightly alleviates this issue.

Financial pressures persist, with Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) forced to make deep cuts, balancing significant deficits without dedicated support. They are tasked with unrealistic productivity demands of 2%, double the historical average. Adult social care also remains overlooked, with a £2.8 billion funding gap, risking service disruption. The budget misses a crucial opportunity to invest in hospital infrastructure despite a £10.2 billion maintenance backlog, raising concerns over the sustainable future of public health systems.

SOCIAL CARE CONCERNS

Social Care Funding Crisis Deepens Amidst Employer National Insurance Increases

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement raises concerns for the UK's social care sector due to chronic underfunding and increased Employer National Insurance Contributions, threatening service quality and availability for millions. The statement highlights an immediate need for sustainable funding to prevent a potential collapse in service provision. Urgent and comprehensive government intervention is required to address these financial strains and safeguard care services.

HEALTHCARE DEVELOPMENTS

UK Healthcare Faces Major Changes With NHS Reforms And Tariff Challenges

Recent developments in the UK health and care sector spotlight several pressing issues, demanding thoughtful attention and swift action. Key among them are the NHS pension scheme updates announced by Minister Karin Smyth, addressing age discrimination by offering choices between legacy or reformed benefits, though technical complexities delay immediate execution. NHS England's transition chief, Sir Jim Mackey, is spearheading significant reforms in Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), necessitated by drastic cost-cutting measures, all while ensuring local care needs aren't overshadowed.

Other critical discussions include concerns over US tariffs under Donald Trump, posing substantial risks to UK pharmaceutical exports, threatening both financial stability and supply chains. Additionally, Andy Burnham's critique of labour’s benefit cut approach underscores the necessity for localised, empowering initiatives, as exemplified by the successful Live Well programme. The focus remains on delivering pragmatic, needs-based solutions within the sector, with collaborative governmental and community efforts being paramount to lasting reform and advancement.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Scottish Social Care Crisis Leaves Over 6,500 Awaiting Assessments in Limbo

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

East Renfrewshire Faces £1.5m Gap Without Social Care Fees

SOCIAL CARE FUNDING

Government Urged To Address Adult Social Care Funding Shortfall

ADASS warns of a £1.2 billion funding shortfall for councils providing care for the elderly and disabled. This is crucial as rising costs, alongside increased demand, jeopardise the shift towards community support and prevention, risking more pressure on hospitals. Investment in adult social care, partially aided by NHS funds, is essential for sustainable solutions and cost-efficiency.

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