Purpose

The Technology Enabled Care Policy sets out the county council's strategic approach to Technology Enabled Care.

This new policy outlines how technology will support and enable adults and children to prevent and delay the need for formal care. This is in recognition of the fact that there is, and is likely to be, a growing range of technology including devices that use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to predict and prevent harm. The county council wishes to exploit new technology for the benefit of all Lancashire residents when this is appropriate to do so.

The Technology Enabled Care Policy follows on from Cabinet's approval of the Changes to the Telecare Services report in September 2022 which recommended that, with effect from 3 April 2023, a three tier, non-means tested, charging structure be introduced.

The Technology Enabled Care Policy also supports Lancashire County Council's draft 'Going Digital – A Technology Enabled Care Strategy for 2026' which is currently being developed.

Decision

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.