Concerns are mounting over Nottinghamshire County Council's reliance on technology to manage rising costs and improve services within its social care system. Recently, the Conservative-run council has been reported to overspend by £10.6 million on adult social care and £3.3 million on the children and families department, which many attribute to increasing demand and costs related to these services.
Despite the hefty overspend, the council is projecting a more manageable budget gap of £4.4 million for the current financial year, running until April 2025. This shift is attributed to underspending in other departments, such as transport and the environmental sector, along with interest accrued from cash balances and borrowing. Over the council’s extended four-year budget plan, known as the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, this gap could grow to approximately £64 million.
During an Overview Committee meeting on November 21, Nigel Stevenson, the council’s director of finance, described the current overspend as ‘manageable’ and expressed confidence about addressing the issue. Yet, documents reveal there has been noticeable ‘slippage’ concerning the council’s ambitions to decrease social care expenses through technology.
This technological reliance includes monitoring systems deployed for older residents to detect early warning signs of health conditions. Notably, these systems can track when individuals use the toilet at night, which can indicate varying health metrics. A report focused on the use of technology within social care is expected to be presented by March next year, which might shed more light on its efficacy.
Kate Foale, leader of the Labour Group, has voiced concerns about the council’s heavy dependence on technology to steer cost reductions. “There is some good work being done here in terms of early intervention,” she stated. “But we could be doing more to prevent children from becoming looked-after—this is far more costly. There’s been way too much discussion and reliance on technology for transformation and cost-saving, and we must keep remembering this is really about people.”
Foale highlights the need for creativity and risks, stating, “If we’re failing to meet targets and technology isn’t working out as greatly as we anticipated, we must reevaluate our approach.”
On the other hand, Richard Jackson, the council’s cabinet member for finance, addressed concerns surrounding delivery delays. He assured attendees at the meeting about the continued confidence the council holds for achieving the anticipated savings. Jackson added, “People view technology-enabled care as replacing traditional models, but it’s not, it’s meant to coexist with and improve it. This technology holds immense potential to spot problems before they escalate, helping people maintain their independence longer.
“We’re not doing this solely to save money; it’s very much about enhancing the outcome for individuals,” he emphasized.
The mixed messages surrounding Nottinghamshire County Council's technology strategy highlight the tension between innovation and the fundamental nature of care work. While technology can undoubtedly provide efficiency, the human aspect must remain prioritized if outcomes are to improve and genuine progress made within the county’s social care system.
