How AI is cutting council's care reports backlog

Phil Corrigan looks at the use of the technology to ease the pressure on social workers at the city council

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ARTIFICAL intelligence is being used to cut lengthy waiting times for children's special needs reports.

Stoke-on-Trent City Counciil has to produce hundreds of education, health and care plans (EHCPs) each year and, like many authorities, has been struggling to issue them on time due to increased demand.

In 2023/24, just 43 per cent of the council's EHCPs were completed within the 20 weeks, compared to a national target of 60 per cent. In the three months to December, the proportion was just 29 per cent. Delays in issuing EHCPs can mean families are left waiting too long to secure the extra support their children need.