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Think tank urges Casey to 'go rogue' with commission, and deliver what the nation needs.

Author

Miles Mudzviti
January 10, 2025

In this edition of the DGTL Care newsletter, as reactions have been pouring in, the Institute for Government has urged Baroness Louise Casey to 'go rogue' with social care commission and rapidly accelerate the deadlines for her interim and final reports - and rejig her first-phase mission. The IfG says she can follow the example of Adair Turner’s 2002 Pensions Commission and rewrite her terms of reference.

Citing a letter by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to opposition parties, The i Paper looks at how the cross-party talks on fixing social care could unfold. According to the letter, the first phase of the commission, to report next year, “will recommend tangible, pragmatic, and cost-effective solutions to lay the foundations for the National Care Service”, which the Health Secretary told the Commons this week would involve both state and private provision. This suggests it will not be full nationalization.

Casey urged to ‘go rogue’ with social care commission

The Institute for Government has called for Baroness Louise Casey to take a bold approach in leading the government's social care commission, emphasizing the need for urgency and clear vision in reforming the sector. The independent think tank suggests she can follow the example of Adair Turner’s 2002 Pensions Commission and rewrite her terms of reference.

Key Points:

  • Political Will vs. Evidence: The main barrier to reform is political will, not a lack of solutions.

  • Revising the Remit: Casey is encouraged to expedite her reports and outline a vision for the care system.

  • Digital Transformation: Modernizing systems and processes is essential for improving service delivery in social care.

Higher pay for carers and free at-home help: How to fix the social care crisis

Cross-party talks are underway in the UK to address the social care crisis, with a focus on funding reform and workforce issues. The i Paper looks at how the cross-party talks on fixing social care could unfold - and Reform will have a say. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasizes the urgency of these discussions, warning party leaders that ‘the country is paying a heavy price for the failure to reform adult social care.’

Key Points:

  • Funding Reform: The current means-tested funding model is inadequate, with proposals for a cap on care costs.

  • Workforce Issues: Improving pay and conditions for care workers is a priority for several political parties.

  • Digital Transformation: Integrating technology could enhance care delivery and streamline funding processes.

Supplier ranks doubled in second iteration of £1.4bn health and care digital framework

The Crown Commercial Service has announced the second iteration of the Digital Capability for Health framework, which aims to enhance digital services within the NHS and social care sectors. The number of suppliers has doubled from 12 to 22, with an expected allocation of approximately £1.4 billion over three years.

Key Points:

  • Framework Overview: The framework includes application development, project delivery, and data management services.

  • Increased Investment: The £1.4 billion reflects a growing commitment to digital transformation in health and social care.

  • Impact on Services: The initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in digital services, addressing current challenges in the sector.

Groundbreaking integrated housing and care technology project to benefit South Lanarkshire retirees

A new project in South Lanarkshire will deploy unobtrusive sensors in retirement housing to enhance data collection and improve care efficiency. This pilot initiative aims to monitor conditions within residents' homes and support independent living.

Key Points:

  • Data Integration: The project seeks to unify fragmented data related to social housing, health, and care.

  • Holistic View: By providing a comprehensive view of individuals and their environments, the project aims to facilitate timely interventions.

  • Alignment with Local Strategies: The initiative supports South Lanarkshire’s Local Housing Strategy, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in sustainable living.

Drive adult social care efficiencies in 2025 with ID verification technology

Local authorities in the UK are urged to enhance efficiencies in adult social care through improved identity verification technology, addressing projected budget deficits and minimizing fraud.

Key Points:

  • Accurate Contact Data: Collecting clean and accurate contact data is essential for effective identity verification.

  • Electronic ID Verification (eIDV): Implementing eIDV platforms can improve accuracy and reduce fraud risk.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Automated ID verification technologies are faster and more accurate than manual checks, enhancing efficiency.

Join the conversation!

What are your thoughts on the integration of technology in social care? How can we better leverage digital solutions to address the challenges in the sector? We’d love to hear your insights! Share your perspective in the comments or join the conversation on our social channels.

Thank you for reading this edition of the DGTL Care newsletter. Stay tuned for more insights on the digital transformation in health and social care!

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