Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are changing the way we work at Access Social Care, whether that’s improving the quality of our written communications, speed up our tasks or helping us give people the right advice to help them understand their social care rights.  

However, we remain responsible for the quality and accuracy of the content we produce. The use of any AI tool should therefore be seen as a supportive mechanism to create value and enable productivity, with the recognition that outputs from generative AI are susceptible to bias, mistakes and misinformation.  

Following an intensive three-day hearing covering all three government departments’ appeals, the cases have been adjourned. The First Tier Information Rights Tribunal has requested additional evidence from two government departments. The hearings will be relisted for further evidence which may happen from the New Year onwards. We remain keen to progress these cases to achieve greater transparency on the vital decision making processes that determine social care funding.

Bringing the social care community together to shape the future of data—refining our tools, grounding them in real experiences, and building trust across the sector.

We have been campaigning for government transparency in social care funding for 4 years now, which means there have been many stages to the journey! We now have a date for the latest hearing which will take place on the 17th, 18th and 19th November 2025.

We have summarised the legal steps that we have taken and how Government departments and the ICO have responded in this one page document. In addition we have compiled a timeline which documents every stage of the Freedom of Information requests to date. Please click on the links to download them.

In his article, James Kirkup argues that the UK's traditional practice of maintaining secrecy around the budget process is a fundamental mistake.

This new, free, lunchtime webinar will look at the processes and strategies for challenging decisions by the LAA, including the process, review stage, independent adjudicator stage; the time limits involved and the relevant regulations.

We’ll think about how the LAA responds and how to counter their position; how to prepare for the Independent Adjudicator and also possibly considering sending a Pre-action Protocol letters where appropriate.

In her latest article for the MJ our CEO, Kari Gerstheimer highlights ASC's radical approach to data.

As a constituent, your views and interests are a priority to your Member of Parliament. Writing to your MP is an important way to ensure that they are aware of your concerns and take action on Government Transparency on social care funding.