THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• LGA Reception Alert: Join us in Liverpool to explore how Generative AI is reshaping Children’s and Adults’ Services — and connect with the councils leading the way.

• Charging Shake-Up in Liverpool: Proposed policy update could mean higher fees for some, but safeguards aim to protect the most vulnerable.

• Scottish Strike Signals Sector Strain: £38M funding U-turn triggers national walkout — exposing deep cracks in workforce trust and stability.

• The Cost of Doing Nothing: Parliament warns that failure to reform adult social care is more damaging — and expensive — than acting.

• Unpaid Carers, Unseen Crisis: Millions provide essential care with little support — ignoring them risks long-term collapse of the care ecosystem.

EXCLUSIVE EVENT

You're Invited: UK GovTech Drinks Reception​

📅 Tuesday 1st July​

🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM​

📍LGA Conference, Liverpool​

Are you attending Local Government Association Conference in Liverpool? ​

Join us for a drinks reception hosted by UK GovTech to explore and celebrate the growing role of Generative AI in Children’s and Adults' Services.​

This reception will bring together leaders from local government to share knowledge, reflect on the accomplishments of pioneering councils, and connect over the opportunities GenAI presents for public service delivery.​

Come and enjoy drinks and nibbles, meet peers driving innovation, and help shape the future of AI in social care.​

🔗 Register your interest here

SOCIAL CARE FUNDING

Liverpool Council Proposes Consultation on Updated Adult Social Care Charging Policy

Liverpool Council is proposing to update its non-residential adult social care charging policy for the first time in over three years, aiming to align charges with the actual costs of care amidst increasing demand and a £242 million annual budget. The revised approach will require those with sufficient means to pay more, ensuring resources can be targeted appropriately, but includes safeguards such as the Minimum Income Guarantee and continued extra income disregard for vulnerable individuals. This consultation, relevant for residents, care recipients, and their families, may significantly impact those supported by council-arranged non-residential care services.

LABOUR DISPUTES

Hundreds Of Scottish Care Staff Strike Over £38 Million Government Funding U-Turn

Around 600 care workers from Enable will strike after the Scottish Government failed to deliver a promised £38 million funding intended to improve pay and conditions, with the money reallocated due to legislative constraints. This action marks the first national walkout in over a decade, exposing a systemic crisis and deep worker dissatisfaction. Further strikes across Scotland are likely unless substantial funding and policy changes occur.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

Cost Of Inaction In Adult Social Care Crisis Demands Immediate Attention

A House of Commons report spotlights the severe consequences—human, financial, and societal—of failing to reform England’s adult social care system, exposing the true cost of inaction that consistently overwhelms governmental budget concerns. For professionals in health, insurance, and policy, understanding this recalibration is crucial: the debate must move beyond cost aversion to address the urgent systemic failures threatening both vulnerable populations and national stability.

SOCIAL CARE POLICY

Britain’s Unpaid Family Carers Face Recognition Amid Political Neglect And Systemic Challenges

Britain’s seven million unpaid family carers remain largely invisible in political discussions, despite the profound impact of their work—which is valued at the level of NHS annual spending—on society and the economy. Policy failures, punitive regulations, and insufficient support continue to push many carers into poverty, mental health crises, and isolation. With an ageing population, addressing these systemic gaps is urgent to prevent widespread social and economic strain.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️