UPCOMING EVENT

🚀 Join Us for Exclusive Insights on EHCP Plus! 🚀

Agilisys Transform are excited to co-host a webinar with Outcomes Matter Consulting to share key reflections from the Winter Cohort of EHCP Plus!​

Hear below from Margherita Sica (EHCP Plus Product Manager) and Sarah Warren (In-House EHCP Expert) on what they have learnt through the journey of creating EHCP Plus and what to expect at the webinar! ​

🎧 Hear from Margherita and Sarah here: https://youtu.be/uyyVPzjZd-c

📅 Save your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eUtraf8v​ 

This is a must-attend for SEND professionals looking to cut admin time, improve EHCP quality, and drive better outcomes for children and families. See you there!

 PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Significant Investment Boosts Nottinghamshire's Transport and Environmental Infrastructure

Nottinghamshire's capital programme for 2025-26 secures over £50 million in external funding, a significant injection aimed at enhancing the county's infrastructure and environmental resilience. Central to this investment is the £7.5 million from the East Midlands Combined County Authority for the A614A6097 Major Road Network Scheme, pending approval from the Department for Transport. With an emphasis on transportation, £9.3 million is allocated for bus priority measures under the Bus Service Improvement Plan, while the electric vehicle infrastructure budget of over £5.5 million will advance public charging networks.

EHCPs

Significant Rise in Tameside Children with EHCPs Demands Urgent Action

Tameside faces a pressing challenge as the number of children with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) has soared 148-fold over the past 11 years, resulting in double the national average. The rapid increase in EHCPs indicates a gap in the borough’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, particularly straining specialist resources. There are significant gaps in speech, language, communication, autism spectrum disorder, and other areas, necessitating urgent facility expansion.

With Tameside having 500 more EHCPs yet 580 fewer specialist places than nearby areas, the forecasted costs and high-needs pupil numbers could make current practices unsustainable. The proposed SEND Sufficiency Strategy aims to create 143 places by 2034, which is essential to accommodate projected demands. Without timely action and local investment, the overreliance on out-of-area provision will continue exacerbating budgetary constraints, risking both educational delivery and financial viability.

COUNCIL TAX CHALLENGES

Birmingham Council Urged to Significantly Boost Council Tax Collection Rates.

SOCIAL CARE CRISIS

England's Care Home Crisis Highlights Numerous Failures in Meeting Quality Standards

Recent inspections reveal a significant crisis in England's care sector, with almost one in five care homes failing to meet basic standards. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) identified over 2,500 homes that are inadequate or require improvement, highlighting a postcode lottery of care quality. Shockingly, areas like Liverpool and Camden see up to 40% of homes underperforming. This ineffectiveness stems from poor local authority commissioning and unsustainable fee structures, according to experts like Professor Martin Green of Care England.

The CQC, struggling with internal challenges, admits that out-of-date reports further erode public trust. Calls for urgent reforms are echoed by officials and stakeholders, who demand rapid completion of the government's ongoing social care review. Current inefficiencies not only compromise care but also add to the growing strain on the NHS, underscoring the need for immediate action.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Councils Enhance Independence Through Assistive Technology for Mother and Daughter

EHCP PLUS TOOL

🚨 Breaking News: EHCP Plus is Already Improving Outcomes for Councils - And for the Families They Support 🚨

Agilisys Transform are proud to share the impact of the Agilisys EHCP tool that powers EHCP Plus in real numbers and real words. ​

This is more than a game-changing technology – it is a transformative moment in how councils are equipping their teams to better support children with SEND.​

Key Benefits council teams have seen:​

• 110 working days handed back to frontline teams​

• £20,000 saved through faster drafting and less reliance on agency staff

• Thousands of pieces of advice processed to help professionals focus on what matters.​

“EHCP Plus is saving me hours on every plan. I can finally spend more time with families.” – SEND Caseworker, Pilot Council​

“It doesn’t replace me – it empowers me.” – SEND Lead, Early Adopter Council​

Want to learn how we can support your council – get in touch! ​

RENEWABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Britain on Fast Track to Net Zero with Early Access to £4 Billion Infrastructure Investment

Britain's path to net zero accelerates with Ofgem's Advanced Procurement Mechanism, granting £4 billion for early investment in renewable energy infrastructure. This approach enables quicker project readiness by allowing transmission owners to pre-order vital equipment, mitigating supply chain delays and controlling costs. The initiative, aimed at achieving clean power by 2030, underscores the necessity of proactive measures amid global competition for essential materials.

LOCAL GOVERNANCE RESTRUCTURING

Lancashire Council Leaders Struggle to Reach Consensus on Devolution Proposal

Lancashire's future local government structure remains uncertain as council leaders fail to reach a consensus on devolution proposals, with no single plan garnering majority support amidst inherent political and geographical complexities. The letter submitted to ministers outlines potential consolidation into one to five new unitary authorities, yet lacks geographical detail, reflecting diverse local opinions and acknowledging the significant cultural and identity issues that need further exploration. Lancashire must finalise its proposals by 28 November, challenging local leaders to balance government criteria with local priorities, especially given the impending abolition of existing councils.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UPDATES

Council Halts Local Plan Creation Amid Evolving Policy and Reorganisation Changes.

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