Concerns raised over Nottinghamsire Council’s reliance on technology to bring costs down in social care

Concerns have been raised that Nottinghamshire Council could be too heavily relying technology to bring down its soaring costs in social care, according to a report by Newark Advertiser.

The paper reports that the Conservative-run council is overspending by £10.6m in adult social care, and £3.3m in the children and families department, largely due to increased costs and demand.

During an Overview Committee meeting on Thursday (November 21) the council’s director of finance, Nigel Stevenson, described the in-year overspend as “manageable” and said he was confident it will be dealt with.h Mor

However, according to documents, there has been a “slippage” in the council’s efforts to bring costs down in social care through the use of technology.

This has included using technology to monitor older residents, such as how often they use the toilet at night, to check for early warning signs of various conditions and diseases.

A report into technology use in social care, and its impact, is due to be presented in March next year.

Kate Foale, leader of the Labour Group, said she was “concerned” over the focus on technology.

“There is some good work being done in this council in terms of early intervention work,” she said.