EVENTS

Is Generative AI Disrupting Public Services For The Better?

Join us for The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges, a LinkedIn Live Broadcast on 25th November 2024, at 3 PM.

🔑 Key Highlights Include:

• Mark Thompson: Addressing why public service reform is essential in the face of systemic challenges.

• Andrew Mindenhall & Darius Toomer (Agilisys): Exploring how AI is delivering real-world solutions for the public sector.

• Kenneth Corrêa: Presenting global success stories of Generative AI in action.

🎯 Why Attend?

• Learn actionable insights from industry experts.

• Get exclusive access to the event recording and materials.

• Engage directly with AI leaders in a live Q&A session.

SOCIAL CARE

Government Urged to Address Adult Social Care Funding Crisis

The Autumn Budget has significantly impacted adult social care, with increased costs from NICs and the National Living Wage. Despite a £600 million funding boost, the sector faces a substantial shortfall, necessitating urgent government review and action.

ADASS President Melanie Williams highlights the need for a national review of high-cost support across CHC and adult social care. The focus is on developing a National Care Service linked to neighbourhood health, but financial pressures hinder long-term planning.

Sector leaders and those with lived experience stress the importance of co-producing personalised care. However, the looming funding gap forces short-term measures, underscoring the need for immediate governmental intervention to address rising costs and ensure quality care.

GOVERNMENT POLICY ANALYSIS

Social Care Reform Stalled Amid Governmental Indecision and Financial Concerns

The UK government faces a genuine impasse over social care reform, with no clear plan for Labour's promised National Care Service. The Health Secretary acknowledges the NHS crisis cannot be resolved without addressing social care, yet the Treasury is wary of costs, and the Prime Minister has not decided on a course of action. A meeting is planned to discuss potential solutions, including a Royal Commission or independent review.

The social care system is under severe strain, with 500,000 people waiting for care and council budgets stretched. Labour's reform aims to tackle care shortages, waiting lists, and costs. However, the Treasury is concerned about the financial implications, and the government is cautious about committing to expensive reforms without a clear mandate.

SOCIAL POLICY ISSUES

Social Care Reform Urgently Needed Amid Government Stalemate

Minister Louise Haigh highlights the need for urgent reform in England’s social care system amid funding and staffing crises. Labour’s National Care Service lacks detail, while the Lib Dems push for cross-party talks and a higher minimum wage for care workers.

The Treasury’s hesitation over costs stalls progress, with options like a Royal Commission under discussion. Critics warn that without swift action, financial pressures and workforce challenges will worsen, putting further strain on the sector.

SOCIAL CARE

Social Care Sector Urges NIC Exemption to Prevent Crisis

Care England, a leading voice in adult social care, urges providers to sign a petition against employer NIC increases. Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive, warns that these changes threaten the sector's sustainability. The government’s decision is seen as a crisis, risking the future of adult social care.

The NIC increase could devastate services for vulnerable groups, including working-age adults with complex needs and older people. The potential consequences include delayed care and reduced access to essential support. Care England stresses the urgency for government action to prevent these outcomes, highlighting the profound impact on lives and communities.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Kirklees Care Home Faces Closure After CQC Inspection

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated St Margaret's Care Home in Batley as inadequate, placing it in special measures and cancelling its registration. This action follows a July inspection prompted by serious concerns about medicines management, safeguarding, and staff recruitment. Nine breaches of regulation were identified, including unsafe care, inadequate nutrition, and environmental hazards.