Ahead of the Spending Review on 11 June, the LGA has spearheaded a joint statement with 100 other leaders in adult social care in adult social care, calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to work with the sector to mitigate pressures on councils, providers and charities.
The care coalition wants the Government to strengthen adult social care and to see funding as an investment rather than a cost.
The Government has asked Baroness Louise Casey to chair an independent commission into adult social care, and terms of reference for the review were published in May.
An initial phase looking at medium-term changes possible within existing resources is due to report in 2026, while recommendations on “the long-term transformation of adult social care” – including how the sector is resourced – are expected in 2028.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said the commission faces a “challenging task” given budgetary and practical obstacles, and that drawing on the experiences of people who use care services – and of councils as service providers – will be “crucial” to it achieving its objectives.
“Key issues the commission must address include establishing a far greater emphasis on prevention, earlier action and support,” he added.
“Likewise, tackling the recruitment and retention challenges facing the workforce must be a priority. This will require looking at pay, but focus must also be given to training, development and progression for the workforce.
“Lastly, while we recognise the commission’s timescales, we urge the Government to revisit these to reflect the urgency of the situation, and the reality that people and organisations have already waited long enough for real change.
“The LGA, with its unique cross-party structure, stands ready to work closely with the commission, and calls on the Government to use the forthcoming Spending Review to provide the funding needed to stabilise the sector in the short term and lay solid foundations for longer-term reforms.”