The social care sector is set to face unprecedented challenges this winter. As well as delivering care services whilst COVID-19 is co-circulating with seasonal flu and other viruses, Councils need to remain focused on their statutory responsibilities of delivering safe, quality care. The Department of Health and Social Care's recently published COVID-19 winter plan identifies the challenges and sets out actions for the sector.

Local authorities are increasingly using technology and intelligent data to help mitigate risks and proactively target care where it is most needed. This winter having data for market oversight and optimising care delivery will be vital, but technology can play a key role in preventing people's care needs escalating in the first place.