Councils could save at least £186m a year by transforming the way they deliver care services, according to new research published today.
The analysis of official data sources by Younifi found councils could save £71.8m a year by adopting automated financial transaction management, and £73.m a year on Direct Payments by diverting people towards more cost effective care alternatives.
The research also found more than £40m a year could be saved by simplifying the administrative processes in care services such as supplier contract monitoring and care assessments.
Tony Pilkington, managing director of Younifi, said: ‘There are a lot of great things happening across social care, however various resources and initiatives need to be better integrated into one simple process for both the personalised care and value for money agendas to both be realised as one.
‘Our cost savings calculations touch on only three initial areas where savings can be achieved. Our analysis illustrates that every council in the UK has the potential for quick-win savings by addressing cultural, technological and market changes collectively.
‘Councils can create an environment for better outcomes for all people needing care and support that also delivers much broader cost avoidance and efficiency initiatives. This includes diverting many people towards cheaper community based services, stimulating competition and variety among the care provider market and reducing administrative effort around financial reconciliation and care assessment.’
