As first was going to press, it was reported that a Government announcement on adult social care would be delayed until the autumn, despite ministers apparently reaching an agreement to fund reforms by raising national insurance.
Sajid Javid, Health and Social Care Secretary, had told delegates at the LGA’s annual conference in July that the Government would set out “the general sense of direction” of its social care reform plans “quite soon”. The LGA had been lobbying for an announcement ahead of the parliamentary summer recess. But national media reported that details of the funding mechanism could not be agreed in time.
Meanwhile, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has found that almost 75,000 disabled and older people and carers are waiting for an initial assessment of their health and care support needs, as social services struggle to cope with an avalanche of requests for help arising from the pandemic.
Its annual budget survey also found that, despite the worsening delays in meeting people’s needs, councils are having to plan for savings of £600 million this year.
Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “COVID-19 has reinforced the urgent need for long-term reform of adult social care, including sustainable funding that grows in line with demand and investment to tackle the funding gap between the cost of providing care and what councils pay.
“We also face a huge recruitment and retention crisis in the care workforce, with more than 100,000 vacancies. Action is urgently needed on pay, conditions, professionalisation, skills and training.
“The Government’s proposals should set out a positive vision for what the future of care and support should be and be brought forward as soon as possible.”