Care Sector Insight (03.04.2026)
Message from David Smallacombe
Please use the link for the item on CQC Assessment of Local Authorities, you will find that the Government awards funding on the following basis to each LA. This is news to us.
Recognising that CQC’s assessment activity is risk-based and local authorities can expect an assessment at any time, this grant is being allocated on a flat cash basis as a way of ensuring local authorities are sufficiently resourced for ongoing CQC monitoring.
Each local authority will receive an equal allocation of funding: £26,730.
How imbalanced is this
Local ASC providers live in the same risk environment and get no support for their CQC Inspection process. This could be another reason to lobby your local MP.
Neighbourhood health framework: clarity, gaps and what comes next
The government has published its much-awaited Neighbourhood Health Framework. It sets out in new detail what neighbourhood health aims to do and how this will be achieved, building on the 10 Year Health Plan, the Neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 and the Medium Term Planning Framework.
AI and Social Care Summit highlights
Last week’s AI and Social Care Summit in Oxford, brought together people from across social care, technology, research and policy. The full write-up and recording from the Summit, which was hosted by Digital Care Hub, the Institute for Ethics in AI, and Casson Consulting, will be available shortly.
Skills for Care dedicates April to #CelebratingSocialCare for fifth year
Skills for Care is once again #CelebratingSocialCare this April and we're encouraging all social care organisations and people working in social care to join in.
CQC assessment of local authorities: grant funding for 2025 to 2026
Details and allocations of funding for local authorities in relation to the Care Quality Commission assessment of adult social care duties.
Spain’s approach to care tech
There is growing interest across the adult social care sector in how other countries are using technology to support people to live independently. Last week, Katie Thorn from the Digital Care Hub reflected on insights from a study visit to Spain, highlighting opportunities and considerations for England.