ADASS calls for reprioritisation of the overall social care reform programme

In response to reports that the Government may delay introduction of the cap on personal care costs and increased capital limits for state support for such costs, ADASS is calling for reprioritisation of the overall social care reform programme.

Cathie Williams, ADASS Chief Executive said: “While we understand the reasons for a short delay in implementing the changes due in October next year, to ensure all councils can do eventually so successfully, it is vital that the momentum of reform is not lost. A delay in these measures would present an opportunity to bring forward others.

“By guaranteeing funding already allocated for reforms next year, and indeed increasing it significantly, the Government could facilitate further investment in care workers’ pay and conditions, enable more people to receive care at home, improve support for unpaid carers and initiate more intermediate care schemes to avoid people going into hospital or staying there longer than necessary.

“These are the priorities if we are to avoid a spiralling rise this winter in the numbers of people going without the care and support that they need or having too little of it. Our surveys show that at least 500,000 people are already waiting for assessment or review of their needs or for a care package to start.”