Salford’s adult social care systems could see an overhaul worth up to £665,000 with new A.I capability.
Following a report from October 12 2026 a council board highlighted “limitations” in its adult social care management systems. Salford City Council are looking to turn towards new services, allowing more time to “care for the person.”
The report stated that its current systems had limitations and “could pose a risk to the Council’s reputation.”
The new proposed systems, which will be aided by “A.I agents”, are expected to improve efficiency, in a turn away from paper-based systems.
The report does not express any concerns directly relating to A.I, however notes that the new system will involve “migration of data” which “may have data protection implications.”
This comes after Salford’s adult social care services were deemed ‘inadequate’ in November last year.
Following the findings, Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, expressed his concern and pledged to improve Salford’s services.
He said: “I am deeply disappointed by the report’s findings and I want to reassure you that we are changing how adult social care in Salford is delivered and we are going to fix this.”
In the proposed contract, supplied by Access UK ltd, a private company in Loughborough, the new system will “improve the accuracy, accessibility” and “connect all care solutions… streamlining workflows.” The current contract is a proposed three years, with an optional two year extension.
The current council budget available for the first three years of the contract sits at £84,360. This leaves a £333,371 investment required, however “significant return-on-investment opportunities” are identified.
The report states that Salford City Council must agree to the contract on or before October 28, to use the governments current framework, G-Cloud 14. M
According to statistics from the Local Government Association 68% of councils in 2025 were using artificial intelligence provided by external suppliers and adult social care was one of the leading areas of use.
In the same study, barriers to councils deploying the use of A.I were fuelled more by lack of funding and staff, rather than fears over A.I cyber threats.
Full information on the report can be found at Salford City Councils website, Procurement Board – Access Evo – Digital System Provider Services FINAL 005 003.pdf.
