More adult social care is being delivered in England, but it is not keeping pace with increased needs, according to a new survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
A huge effort by council social care teams to rebuild services after the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced care waiting lists from a high of 542,000 in April 2022 to 430,000 at the end of March 2023.
Despite a reduction in the number of people waiting for care assessments, however, care waiting lists remain far too high and ADASS is warning they could rise again this winter without more staff.
To improve social care, boost the economy and enable carers to continue working, ADASS is calling on the Government to invest in support that helps people avoid going into hospital or a care home in the first place, and enables them to recover, get back on their feet and back home if they do end up in hospital this winter.
ADASS also wants increased support for carers and improvements in workforce pay, and a fully funded, long-term plan to transform social care to ensure everyone in England can get the care and support they need, when they need it.
Cllr David Baines, Vice-Chair of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said the LGA supported the report’s recommendations.
“While the decrease in the number of people waiting for care assessments is a positive and notable achievement, a record NHS backlog, rising mental health needs, and support around domestic abuse of people with care and support needs means demand continues to rise for councils,” he added.
“The fact that directors are having to plan savings of £806 million, as part of wider council budget-setting in 2023/24, further demonstrates the extremely challenging situation adult social care is facing.
“It is deeply concerning to see that most councils are not confident they can meet all of their statutory duties required by law.
“This, partnered with the increase in the number of unpaid carers reporting burnout, could have serious impacts for many people who draw on care and support.
“This report shows the impact of a chronically underfunded system and the pressures councils continue to face.”