Ellie Ames 07 December 2023

Council bosses back data use to improve care

Council bosses back data use to improve care image
Image: Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

An increased use of data in children’s social care could improve outcomes and deliver much-needed savings, the County Councils Network (CCN) has said.

A new report by consultancy firm IMPOWER and the CCN found there is currently a lack of connection between children’s needs and the cost of their care.

The report suggests that tracking young people’s needs over time would help councils recognise opportunities to ‘improve support, reduce cost and manage the market differently’.

It recommends that this data-driven approach is embedded in the national children’s social care framework, which the Government is set to issue by the end of the year.

It also says the approach could be scaled up and implemented by groups of local authorities, potentially through regional care co-operatives, plans for which were set out in the Government’s strategy for children’s services reform, ‘Stable Homes, Built on Love’.

CCN children’s services spokesperson Roger Gough said: ‘Councils across the country are dealing with a rise in demand and needs, and costs for individual placements have risen exponentially over the last few years, due to the broken nature of the market.

‘Therefore, any measures local authorities can take to reduce these costs and, crucially, improve outcomes for children in care are well worth considering.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Strategic Director, Corporate Services

City of Bradford MDC
c£162,000 per annum, more for an exceptional candidate
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Human Resources

City of Bradford MDC
£119,466 - £131,207
Bradford is at an extraordinary moment of transformation Bradford, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of Bradford MDC

Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer)

North Kesteven District Council
£109,668 – £117,623
Create the conditions for long-term prosperity
Recuriter: North Kesteven District Council

Director of Libraries, Sport and Physical Activity & Communities

Glasgow Life
£102,894.01 - £116,854.38 per year
Our teams focus on making a real difference through culture and sport in Glasgow. Glasgow, Glasgow City
Recuriter: Glasgow Life
Linkedin Banner