Call for overhaul of social care
16/06/2008
Council leaders across the UK have said that care and support systems must be "significantly simplified and adequately funded" to meet the challenges of an ageing population and to ensure that disabled and older people get the care they expect and deserve.
Their comments are in response to the Government’s consultation on the future of social care, as new research shows that increased demand is forcing local authorities to ration lower-level social care for the elderly and disabled more than in previous years.
Based on the current eligibility criteria, councils provide help with basic daily tasks - but increasingly only to those with the greatest need. And last year nearly £250m was spent on a range of services to help stop people needing to access social and health services in the first place.
A report carried out by the Local Government Association (LGA) shows that:
• 72% of councils no longer provide lower level care, when this is all that is needed, including help with basic daily living, such as eating and washing
• Just four councils provide care for people with the lowest level of need
• Eight councils have had to further tighten eligibility criteria for the financial year 2008/09
Cllr David Rogers, an LGA spokesperson, said: “It is obvious that the social care system is in need of long-term reform and there is a need to think creatively about how we will pay for the care of an ageing population. There is a compelling argument for ministers to place a greater emphasis on preventative services, which makes the available money go further, provides better value for the taxpayer and helps to improve the health of the nation.
”The complex system for getting care and support is in desperate need of simplification so that people don’t miss out simply because they end up confused and bewildered by the myriad of benefits, form-filling and means testing - which can seem like a bureaucratic merry go-round and leave many feeling that they are fighting the system.
“Town halls have found their hands tied because increased demand has placed a huge strain on budgets, which has left many councils with little option but to withdraw services for many who need help with activities such as washing, eating and getting the shopping in."
Meanwhile, the Commission for Social Care and Inspection (CSCI) is asking the public to send in their views and recommendations on local services as part of a Government consultation document. The consultation document and questionnaire can be found on the CSCI website - linked below. The closing date for views is 8th August.