The audit commission has published a report on improving value for money in social care. They found that councils have looked at many ways to provide better and more efficient services. These include: better procurement, improved back office arrangements and providing community based rather than residential care where possible. However the commission concluded that the speed and scale of change must increase if councils want to lower the costs of services as well as improve care for people. The report is available on the commission’s website.

http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nationalstudies/localgov/Pages/vfmadultsocialcare.aspx