Local Government Newsletter | Volume 54

Plus: 🏛️ House of Lords spotlight - how Agilisys is transforming EHCPs

Local Government Updates

Welcome to Local Government, your weekly newsletter offering insights and strategies to help UK council leaders innovate, engage, and deliver better public services.

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THIS WEEK’S RADAR🎯

  • EHCP Spotlighted: Agilisys EHCP tool highlighted in the House of Lords — 35+ councils already accelerating plan quality and delivery.

  • £1.2B Savings Incoming: National Digital Exchange to modernise procurement — faster deals, better value, and more SME involvement

  • Fair Pay Pledge: Chancellor commits to fair pay for social care workers — but sector leaders warn urgent reform is still lacking.

  • SEND Complaints Surge: Ofsted sees 60% rise in SEND complaints — trust and funding gaps demand immediate attention.

  • Tech in Care: Civil service backs a "quiet revolution" — digital innovation seen as key to unlocking future social care models.

🌟Agilisys EHCP Spotlighted in the House of Lords​🌟

Government Technology can play an important role in helping alleviate some of the burden of the SEND crisis and it is great to hear government focusing on how technology can play a part in revolutionising digital services.

​The Agilisys EHCP tool - built with and for local authorities - was recently highlighted in the House of Lords as an example of how digital innovation can drive real-world impact in SEND services.

​The tool is being used by 35+ local authorities to draft EHCPs, ensuring families and children get the necessary support they need faster and to a higher quality! ​Hear what was said about the Agilisys EHCP tool in the House of Lords here and how your local authority can get involved and experience the transformative impact!

Press here to watch 📹

DIGITAL PROCUREMENT

A new digital platform, the National Digital Exchange, aims to modernise UK public sector technology procurement, potentially saving taxpayers £1.2 billion annually. This marketplace will enable public servants to access nationally negotiated tech deals quickly, utilise AI for efficient supplier matching, and review products to ensure value. It seeks to involve 40% more small businesses in government contracts over three years, tackling inefficiencies highlighted by the State of Digital Government report.

SOCIAL CARE FUNDING

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a fair pay agreement for social care workers amidst a Spending Review that boosted NHS funding by 3% annually, although significant support for the struggling social care sector remains absent. A future £4bn increase in adult social care funding is promised, yet experts express disappointment over the lack of immediate, meaningful reform needed to fix the system.

SEND SYSTEM CHALLENGES

Complaints to Ofsted about SEND provisions in state schools have surged 60% due to budget constraints and decreased trust in the system. Parents worry about losing tailored support plans, while government plans aim to overhaul the SEND system. Urgent action is needed to ensure adequate support for SEND students.

TECH IN SOCIAL CARE

Senior government officials have announced support for the social care sector through a "quiet revolution" driven by emerging technologies, with potential policy backing for digital transformation initiatives. The commitment suggests increased funding opportunities for innovation partnerships and technology adoption across care services. Civil servants highlight technology's potential to improve efficiency, outcomes, and service delivery models while addressing workforce challenges.