Leading Voices 📣

On The Ground: Insights From Solace’s 50th Anniversary Summit🌐

Head of Agilisys Transform Darius Toomer is also attending the Local Government Association conference this week - feel free to reach out to him if you are also there!

Social Care Sector

Ministerial Visit To NCF Members

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock MP visited NCF members Dimensions and Optalis in Wokingham borough, engaging directly with care recipients and their families. The visit, organised by the National Care Forum, began at Ross's home, where discussions centred on the importance of family involvement in care. Diane Clementson, a long-serving support worker, highlighted the cost-of-living challenges faced by her colleagues, emphasising the need for adequate support to ensure optimal outcomes.

The Minister then toured Loddon Court, a short breaks service run by Optalis, where families underscored the critical role of respite care in supporting carers and maintaining family wellbeing. Discussions with representatives from NCF, Wokingham Borough Council Adult Services, Optalis, and Dimensions focused on the strategic and economic value of social care, with an emphasis on workforce importance and the development of a Fair Pay Agreement.

Minister Kinnock acknowledged the dedication of the social care workforce and the necessity of hearing from those directly affected by care services. He committed to addressing the challenges facing social care, recognising its vital role in healthy communities.

Social Care

12 Million Adults Delaying Social Care Plans Until Government Clarifies Policy

The Just Group Care Report, titled "Groundhog Day," reveals that 12 million adults in England are delaying social care plans due to government policy confusion. This report, the 12th in a series, highlights the ongoing uncertainty in the care system, exacerbated by the recent scrapping of planned reforms. The survey of 2,500 adults aged 45 and older shows that nearly half are postponing financial planning for later life care until the government clarifies its funding strategy.

The cancellation of reforms, which included more generous means-test limits and an £86,000 cap on personal care spending, has left many feeling uncertain. Stephen Lowe of Just Group emphasises the urgent need for government action to address the crisis. The repeated delays and policy changes have created significant confusion, leaving millions unprepared for future care needs.

LinkedIn Live Broadcast

AI in Action: Real-World Solutions for Public Sector Challenges with Kenneth Corrêa

We’re excited that Kenneth Corrêa will be joining in on the conversation at Agilisys’ The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI's Answer to Systemic Challenges live broadcast on 25th November 2024!

Kenneth’s book, Cognitive Organizations, offers a practical exploration of how AI agents are transforming modern business operations. With a focus on how organisations can embrace these technologies, the book takes readers through a journey that starts with the evolution of management principles and moves towards today’s innovations.

As a speaker at Agilisys LinkedIn Live Broacast, Kenneth will showcase practical use cases that demonstrate how AI technologies solve challenges that public sector organisations are grappling with every day. This is about tools that are available right now, actively transforming how public services are delivered today.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this conversation with Kenneth and other leaders in the public sector.

📅 25th November 2024

⏰ 3:00 PM BST

🔗 Register now!

Social Issues Analysis

Barriers to Employment for Parents on Welfare Support in the UK

Action for Children has highlighted significant barriers preventing parents on welfare from returning to work, with NHS treatment delays and unsuitable job opportunities being primary concerns. The charity's research, involving 1,130 UK parents on incapacity benefits, reveals that nearly a quarter cite inadequate NHS treatment as a major obstacle. Additionally, a lack of flexible jobs and fear of losing benefits further complicate their return to employment. The study contradicts the notion of a "sick note culture," showing that mental health issues are prevalent among claimants.

The Government's proposed welfare cuts, aiming to save £3 billion by 2028, could exacerbate these challenges. Plans to tighten work capability assessments may push 400,000 more individuals towards employment preparation, potentially reducing benefits. Action for Children stresses the need for NHS improvements, employer flexibility, and Department for Work and Pensions reforms to support parents willing to work.

Meanwhile, Teach First reports that schools in disadvantaged areas are diverting funds to provide basic necessities for students, urging increased government support. The Government claims efforts to boost the economy and reduce poverty, including extending the Household Support Fund and reviewing universal credit. However, the need for immediate action remains critical to address the systemic issues affecting low-income families and their ability to work.

Social Care

Social Care Cuts Risk Crisis for Sheltered Housing Tenants

Bristol City Council's proposed cuts to social care services have sparked serious concerns among providers and residents. The council plans to reduce funding by £500,000, targeting the 'Help When You Need It' programme and home adaptations for hospital discharge. This decision comes as the council grapples with a £22 million overspend, risking effective bankruptcy. Despite the financial strain, Brunel Care, managing 900 tenants across 23 sites, warns of severe consequences. The cuts include £300,000 from the Home Improvement Agency contract and £200,000 from support services for adults with mental health issues or HIV in sheltered housing.

Brunel Care's Housing Support Co-ordinator, Janice Clements, emphasises the potential crisis for tenants if left unsupported. Deborah Cooper, a resident at Brunel Care's Maple Close, relies on her support worker for assistance with reading, benefits, and bills. The loss of this support is unimaginable for her. Michelle Richards, Brunel Care's Housing Services Director, acknowledges the council's financial challenges but argues that the £200,000 cut is insignificant compared to the potential costs of the unintended consequences.

The council's Adult Social Care Policy Committee will review these proposals, highlighting the tension between financial necessity and the welfare of vulnerable residents. The situation demands urgent attention to prevent a crisis in the community, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility and social care provision.