Transforming EHCP Delivery: The EHCP Agency Report

Councils across the UK are facing a growing challenge: the number of EHCPs is increasing, but resources aren't keeping pace. Backlogs and delays are common, with increased pressure on caseworkers and many councils outsourcing EHCP drafting to manage demand to meet the 20-week statutory timeframe.

The Agilisys EHCP Agency allows councils to focus on what matters – providing high-quality support for children. This is achieved by an in-house expertise in EHCP writing and leveraging an AI-powered EHCP drafting tool. ​

The agency is focused on delivering high-quality consistent EHCPs at speed. Learn more about the service here.

TECHNOLOGICAL POLICY

AI Growth Zones To Lead Plan for Change

The UK government has opened the bidding process for AI Growth Zones, a key initiative under its Plan for Change, aimed at accelerating AI infrastructure, attracting private investment, and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs. This move is part of a broader strategy to position the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence while driving economic regeneration in targeted regions.

Key Objectives of AI Growth Zones:

• Establish specialised AI hubs to support research, development, and commercialization.

• Encourage public-private partnerships to fund and scale AI-driven projects.

• Leverage existing or potential energy infrastructure to support AI expansion sustainably.

• Foster regional innovation by giving local authorities the tools to compete globally.

The government is particularly encouraging bids from deindustrialized regions, where AI investment could revitalise local economies and create new job opportunities. These zones are expected to enhance the UK's competitiveness in AI research and commercialisation, providing a dedicated space for innovation while ensuring economic benefits extend beyond major metropolitan areas.

The AI Growth Zones initiative underscores the UK's commitment to becoming a world leader in AI, supporting cutting-edge technologies that drive productivity, economic resilience, and long-term growth.

FUNDING CHALLENGES

Are 10% Council Tax Rises on the Way in Scotland?

LOCAL FUNDING DYNAMICS

1 in 4 Councils Likely to Need Emergency Government Support

A Local Government Association (LGA) survey reveals that one in four councils in England may need emergency government bailout agreements within the next two financial years (2025/26 and 2026/27) to avoid bankruptcy. The LGA warns that relying on capital funds from borrowing or asset sales for operational costs is unsustainable and could increase long-term debt. They are calling on the Chancellor to stabilise council finances in the Autumn Budget, introduce multi-year funding settlements, and reform the local government funding system.

With rising service demands, inflation, and funding cuts, many councils face difficult decisions, risking further service reductions unless urgent financial support is secured.

PUBLIC FINANCE SUMMARY

Local Authorities Face Significant Financial Gaps and Leadership Changes

Recent financial developments among UK councils include:

• Westminster City Council is addressing a £41 million budget shortfall, necessitating significant fiscal adjustments.

• Ceredigion County Council has identified £11.8 million in cost pressures, prompting a review of spending and potential service adjustments.

• Knowsley Council has appointed a new Director of Resources to oversee financial management and strategic planning.

• Cumbria Council facing a £10 million budget cut.

Over 400,000 People Waiting for Adult Social Care Assessments or Services

Recent surveys by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have shown that as of 31 March 2024, there were 418,029 individuals waiting for an assessment, the start of care or direct payments, or a review of their care plan.​

For those of us working in the field, this statistic is not surprising. As a Practice Manager, I was responsible for assigning assessments to social care workers. While trying to manage the influx of referrals, I had to be mindful of the workload on staff. When I completed assessments myself, it could sometimes take several hours, particularly in more complex cases.​

An assessment, often referred to as a Needs Assessment, determines either an individual’s care and support needs or a carer’s need for support. The assessment is a critical intervention which supports a local authority to determine whether a person has a need for care and support to help them live their day-to-day life.​

Traditional assessments are time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring extensive data collection and analysis. Early feedback from a social care worker trialling the Needs Assessment Tool indicates that it has halved the time required to complete an assessment. Importantly, this tool is designed as an assistive aid rather than a replacement for social workers’ expertise. Once transcribed, the assessment can still be tailored to the worker’s writing style, ensuring accuracy and personalisation. The use of technology in assessments, not only improves productivity, but social care workers can dedicate more time to meaningful engagement, fostering stronger connections and delivering more personalised care.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT INNOVATION

AI Isn’t Scary: Lessons from Ealing Council

Ealing Council has successfully integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into its social work and planning services, resulting in significant efficiency gains. The council implemented an AI-driven note-taking tool that records and summarizes conversations between social workers and clients. This innovation has reduced paperwork by 40%, allowing social workers to dedicate more time to client interactions. The AI tool extracts key information from each conversation, automatically populating report templates, including statutory Social Care Act assessments, thereby supporting, rather than replacing, professional judgment.

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