Spotlight on efficiency

In this edition we look at how the West Midlands is dealing with efficiency as part of the transformation of adult social care.

I met recently with directors of adult social care from across the region at a special meeting organised by ADASS and the JIP. Top of our agenda was sharing learning and ideas on efficiency, particularly in the context of the recession.

The number of adults in social care is growing and will continue to do so due to increasing
numbers of disabled people, and rising life expectancy. By 2026, 1.7 million more people will need care and support.

Against this back drop the public sector is expected to find £9 billion savings a year by 2013/14. It is predicted local authorities will face cuts in their funding of 7% to15% over the three years from 2011/12.

The meeting allowed us to reassess our approach. We have agreed to support Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s proposals to look at how efficiencies can be achieved when commissioning telecare services across the region.

We will also examine how to boost efficiency through personalisation, and find further opportunities for integration or collaboration with health organisations and other bodies.

Assisting our efforts is additional support worth £129,000 from the Department of Health for local authorities to identify and develop more efficient ways of delivering adult social care services – see the story Delivering Efficiency Through Reablement Services to find out what we plan to do with the money.

While the demands we face may appear daunting they are also an opportunity to be even more creative in designing and delivering services for the public. We will review progress later in the year.



Eddie Clarke
Director of Adult and Community Services
Worcestershire County Council