By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Concerns have been raised Nottinghamshire County Council could be too heavily relying technology to bring down its soaring costs in social care.
The Conservative-run council is overspending by £10.6m in adult social care, and £3.3m in the children and families department, largely due to increased costs and demand.
However the overall expected budget gap in the current financial year to April 2025 is much lower, due to underspending in other areas such as transport, environment as well as interest on cash balances and borrowing.
The council’s anticipated budget gap this year therefore currently sits at £4.4m.
Over the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) period, which is the council’s longer-term, four-year budget plan, the gap is expected to be in the region of £64m.
During an Overview Committee meeting on Thursday (November 21) the council’s director of finance, Nigel Stevenson, described the in-year overspend as “manageable” and said he was confident it will be dealt with.
However according to documents there has been a “slippage” in the council’s efforts to bring costs down in social care through the use of technology.
This has included using technology to monitor older residents, such as how often they use the toilet at night, to check for early warning signs of various conditions and diseases.
A report into technology use in social care, and its impact, is due to be presented in March next year.
Cllr Kate Foale, leader of the Labour Group, said she was “concerned” over the focus on technology.
“There is some good work being done in this council in terms of early intervention work,” she said.
“I think we could do more to prevent children becoming a looked-after child that is high-cost.
“There’s an awful lot of talk, a lot of reliance I think, in terms of transformation and cost savings on technology. I get that, I think it is important, but for me you have to remember this is a people-based service.
“If we are not meeting the targets and heavy emphasis on technology is not working to the extent we hoped it would do, then we need to have a look at it again. I think we could be a bit more creative and take a few more risks on that one.”
Cllr Richard Jackson (Con), cabinet member for finance, said the slippage means savings will take longer to deliver, but emphasised the council remains “confident” they will still be achieved.
“People see [technology-enabled care] as an alternative to traditionally-delivered care.
“It’s not, it is an enhancement to it and it is something that has huge potential to spot issues before they manifest themselves, to prevent people from needing far greater levels of care.
“This isn’t just about saving us money it is about the outcome for the individual.”
