Weekly Newsletter - 31.10.2024

Autumn Budget 2024 and AI - How Will Your Organisation Evolve?

Author

Zihan Lyu
October 31, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Adult Social Care

Social Care

The Autumn Budget, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on October 30, saw the health and social care capital budget increase by 9.8% and 12.1% (or £3.1 billion overall) this year and next.

This is a big step towards the NHS’ overall ask for more than £6.4 billion per year in phase 2 of the Spending Review and will help the NHS meet its annual 2% productivity goal. However, this extra money cannot alone help fix the NHS capital process and the overall system requires reform to make it easier to plan and spend capital projects. 

The additional £600 million announced for social care will be welcomed by the sector but is substantially less than what has been allocated to the NHS – many social care leaders will look on with envy at the funding their health service colleagues have received. Care providers will also have to shoulder extra employer costs from national insurance changes and minimum wage increases, exacerbating the difficult financial position they are in.   

Siva Anandaciva, Chief Analyst at The King’s Fund
Social Care

The Government faces urgent calls to address a critical shortage in social care funding, as highlighted by a recent Care Quality Commission report. The report reveals a 25% increase in unmet care needs over five years, with 2 million people currently unable to access care. The Independent Care Group (ICG) warns that without immediate funding, the system risks collapse.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham stresses the need for increased funding to local authorities to alleviate the 131,000 staff shortfall. An open letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves urges support for social care in the upcoming Autumn Statement. Padgham cautions that raising National Insurance could further strain providers, hindering community care and NHS reform efforts.

Leading Voices 📣

Pippa Barlow from Agilisys recently shared insights from the LGA Annual Conference in Harrogate, focusing on the critical issues currently facing Local Government. Here are three key takeaways:

  • SEND System Reform: There’s an urgent need for change as demand on SEND services continues to rise, while resources struggle to keep pace.

  • Supporting an Ageing Population: Nearly 63% of councils exceeded their Adult Social Care budgets last year. With demand growing, sustainable solutions are essential.

  • The Role of Technology: Embracing tech innovations, Local Government is paving the way for more efficient and personalised services to tackle these challenges.

🔗 Check out Pippa’s full post for a deeper dive into the discussion on reshaping services for the future.

Live Event

With the UK public sector’s digital transformation well underway, the Autumn Budget 2024 brings a pivotal 6.5% funding increase for digital reforms, reinforcing the Government’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation (2022-2025). This budget marks a decisive moment for a digital-first public sector and raises the question: will your organisation be part of this transformation?

Agilisys is hosting The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges on 25th November 2024 - a must-attend live broadcast for public sector professionals who want to stay ahead of emerging changes and opportunities.

Our panel of specialists will explore real-world AI applications for addressing some of the public sector’s greatest challenges, from budget constraints and outdated systems to increasing demand for efficiency. You’ll gain actionable strategies to implement AI solutions that drive immediate impact.

What you’ll gain:

  • TL;DR Summary for Your Team: Receive a concise summary of key discussion points, perfect for sharing.

  • Exclusive Early Access: Get early access to the video recording and content pieces generated from the event.

  • Connections with Experts: Engage with AI leaders, digital transformation experts, and public sector innovators.

Be part of the transformation.

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The latest State of the Nation report by Access Social Care reveals a significant rise in requests for social care advice, with a 222% increase in needs assessments and a 206% rise in legal advice enquiries compared to pre-pandemic levels. This data, collected from nine major organisations, highlights the ongoing struggle for access to social care support.

The report underscores a critical funding gap, with civil society estimating an annual shortfall of £8.4 billion. Despite a new Labour Government, the report calls for immediate action across political parties to address both short-term and long-term pressures on the social care system. The report serves as a vital tool for policy change, aiming to improve understanding and provision of social care services.

Politics and Policy

The Scottish Greens have withdrawn support for the National Care Service, a plan to centralise social care under a national body, citing concerns over local accountability and alignment with Green values. This decision, supported by MSP Gillian Mackay, leaves the proposal without sufficient backing in Holyrood, as other parties also oppose it.

The Scottish government, led by the SNP, faces significant challenges in advancing the legislation, with Finance Secretary Shona Robison emphasising the need for compromise and national standards. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives, have criticised the plans, calling for their abandonment. The Greens' withdrawal marks a critical setback for the minority SNP administration, which now lacks the necessary votes to pass the legislation.

Healthcare Innovation

Longueville Court care home in Peterborough trialled a pilot scheme where overnight staff wore pyjamas instead of uniforms. This aimed to help disoriented residents, particularly those with dementia, recognise night-time, improving their sleep and reducing restlessness.

The trial showed significant benefits: residents experienced improved sleep, reduced pacing, and better daytime routines, including increased energy and mood stability. Staff noted enhanced food and fluid intake among residents.

Objectives included ensuring health and safety, maintaining a professional image, and addressing infection control. The initiative was deemed a success, with General Manager Krzysztof Krzyszotofiak highlighting its positive impact on the dementia community, demonstrating a commitment to enriching residents' lives.