Adult social care reform to be debated

Cllr David Rogers, chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“This event is the single biggest annual event for the adult care sector. It provides everyone with an opportunity to debate the key issues that affect us all. Reforming our care and support services will be one such issue.  Councils are at the heart of the adult social care agenda and have long called for reform of the care and support system”.

£16.1billion was spent on adult social care during 2008/09 with 39% of that figure coming from council tax.  This contribution is not sustainable as our population changes.  The number of over 65s alone is predicted to increase by more than three million people in the next fifteen years.

Cllr David Rogers continued:

“Let’s be clear, we cannot wait any longer to fix the system. The combination of insufficient funding, increased demand from an ageing society and escalating costs is already placing an immeasurable strain on adult social care.

“Town halls are doing an incredible job ensuring that the vulnerable members of our society get the services they need, but the system is not fit for the challenges of the 21st century.  As we strive to meet those challenges local government must be at the heart of change because councils know their residents best.  Any new structure must ensure that decisions are taken and delivered at a local level with councils supporting the process of change.

“Whilst the Green Paper is an important step towards the much-needed reform of adult social care, the LGA is committed to playing its part in securing lasting change to the system. Reform must stand the test of time; changing populations, changing expectations, changing aspirations and changing governments”.

Approximately 1.75million people currently use and benefit from adult care services. However, 41% of older people currently pay for their own care. 

Cllr Rogers continued:

“Those residents who pay for their own care need clear support and guidance.  That's why we produced a leaflet on the top ten things to do if you or somebody you care about needs help with everyday living. 

“On top of this, approximately one in three of us provide some kind of informal caring role, saving the government billions of pounds.  These people must get the support and recognition for the incredible job they do”.