ADASS response to Autumn Statement 2023

In response to today’s Autumn Statement, Beverley Tarka, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said:

“The Chancellor has said nothing about investing in social care, so we will want to look at the detail. Social Care transforms lives. Lack of extra funds for adult social care in the Autumn Statement means many older and disabled people will not get timely care, support and safeguards. Some will end up in hospital or be delayed leaving hospital. Lives will be restricted or foreshortened for want of vital care.

“Rising needs, rising costs and a funding squeeze mean nearly half a million people are on care waiting lists. Overburdened unpaid carers are struggling to cope, and low pay and poor conditions means there are not enough care workers. Directors are seeing more requests to help with mental health, carer breakdown and people with care and support needs experiencing domestic abuse. Last year’s extra funding for social care helped but hasn’t resolved the crisis.”