In many councils, social workers use transcription systems to write up notes and assessments. Increasingly, video telecare, motion sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) are embedded into social care.
The Government has made clear its intention to accelerate this transformation. Speaking in April 2025, health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said technology is ‘helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care'. Local authorities now face the task of balancing the clear opportunities with financial realities, operational risks and the need to ensure care remains personal and humane.
