Worcestershire County Council has been awarded a national prize for its research into adult social care.

The council secured the ‘best use of social care or health research’ award at this year’s Local Area Research and Intelligence Awards.

Supported by NHS Digital, the council was highly praised for its analysis to predict people most at risk of needing council-funded care after initially funding their own care.

Cllr Adrian Hardman, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It’s fantastic news. It’s a great credit to our research and adult services teams, and the extremely hard work they continue to put in to improving adult social care across the county, both now and looking forward to the future.

“This research will help inform the county council’s approach to identifying where help and support is needed most, and to provide residents with options for care that enables them to remain independent for longer.”

Adult social care continues to be the county council’s biggest financial pressure, with nearly £140 million allocated from this year’s budget to help meet the ever-rising demand.