Local authorities which are developing social care projects using digital technology are to be given a £1m boost.
Under the Social Care Digital Innovation Programme, ten authorities will receive up to £30,000 to design solutions to address a specific issue with their service, and eight will be given up to a further £90,000 to support their implementation.
The funding, provided by NHS Digital and managed by the LGA, will run over two years.
Previous projects have included exoskeleton devices to help carers on the Isle of Wight and the introduction of Amazon Alexa into people’s homes in Hampshire to combat isolation and encourage independent living.
Councils have been told their bids for the new money should focus on one of several themes including efficiency and strengths-based approaches, managing marketing and commission and sustainable and integrated social care and health systems.
Kate Allsop, deputy chair of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: 'We are pleased to run the third wave of funding in collaboration with NHS Digital, to stimulate digital solutions to social care challenges at a local level.
'We have seen some exciting solutions over the last two years and I hope this funding encourages further innovation across the sector.'
