THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

• Join Us at LGA: Network with innovators and explore how GenAI is reshaping frontline services at our drinks reception in Liverpool.

• Somerset's AI Trial: Council pilots AI to draft SEND reports — a bold step toward efficiency, but data oversight is key.

• Liverpool’s Care Charging Overhaul: Proposed policy could reshape who pays and how — feedback from affected families will be crucial.

• Agilisys Webinar Recap: 35 councils’ worth of insights on using AI responsibly in SEND — now available on-demand.

• SEND Funding Bottleneck: £1B pledge falls short in practice — most special schools still face cuts despite soaring need.

• Care Workforce Walkout: £38M reversal triggers Scotland’s largest care strike in a decade — a clear call for funding reform.

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

PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION

Somerset Council Trials AI to Draft Reports for Special Educational Needs Children

Somerset Council is piloting AI to produce first drafts of special educational needs reports for vulnerable children, aiming to reduce administrative delays and allow more staff-parent engagement. While efficiency gains are possible, concerns over data privacy and report quality remain significant for stakeholders.

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.

AI IN SEND

​Missed the Agilisys Webinar Recently on Using AI Responsibly in SEND?

No problem we have you covered! ​

In the session, Agilisys explored how AI is being used to support SEND professionals, shared lessons from working with over 35 councils, and discussed how to embed responsible, human-centred AI in EHCP processes.​

For councils exploring how AI can help meet rising demand and do more with less — this is essential viewing.​

🎥 Watch a short snippet on the Agilisys LinkedIn

📥 Or download the full recording here

EDUCATION FUNDING

£1 Billion In SEND Funding Fails To Reach Most Vulnerable Pupils

Despite the government’s pledge of an extra £1 billion for high needs SEND funding, 74 per cent of surveyed local authorities have not increased allocations for special schools, forcing many to face real-terms cuts amid rising demand and costs. Most of the funding is addressing historic deficits rather than reaching pupils, threatening the quality of provision for vulnerable children. Immediate attention is needed to ensure resources genuinely benefit those they are intended to support.

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.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS 🗳️