Approach to social care is simply ‘ reckless’
AN EXTRA £ 1billion for social care was derided as a “reckless” approach to the crisis in the sector by experts.
Next year councils will be able to raise extra money to help pensioners and disabled people through a £ 300million social care grant and the option to levy a three per cent adult social care precept on local council tax bills. They will also be able to increase council tax bills by two per cent without needing a referendum.
The funding is in addition to the £ 1billion social care grant announced last year which is being maintained.
The Government also expects to provide local authorities with more than £ 3billion to address Covid- 19 pressures, including adult social care in care homes and to pensioners needing help to stay in their own homes.
But campaigners rounded on Rishi Sunak. Caroline Abrahams, director at Age UK and co- chair of the Care and Support Alliance said: “Against the context of the pandemic, which is both driving up the level of need and weakening the finances of providers, this is a decidedly reckless approach.
“Local authorities are once again being asked to square an impossible circle and this ungenerous settlement does very little to help the NHS. “However, it’s older and disabled people, and their families and carers, who will as ever pay the biggest price.”
Figures from the Health Foundation estimate that £ 6.1billion is needed in 2021/ 22 to stabilise the social care system.
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “Of course £ 1billion is welcome, but in comparison with the NHS and the challenges that the sector faces, this figure is too little and too late.”
The Chancellor confirmed that proposals for the long- term reform of the adult social care system will be announced next year.