ADASS responds to the Autumn Budget 2024

In response to today’s budget, President of ADASS Melanie Williams, said:

“The budget has offered some light relief for local government, with new money announced. In particular, we welcome the £600 million of grant funding for social care and improvements in Carer’s Allowance.

“Our last survey showed that councils overspent on adult social care last year by £586mn, therefore it’s vital that Government fully funds the increases in national living wage or it risks escalating financial pressures on adult social care further.

“In reality, the new money announced may end up getting used to cover employers’ national insurance increases and wage increases amongst providers. On this basis, we look forward to further discussions with government on the high demand for adult social care we are facing, and how this relates to the NHS and SEND.

“We welcome conversations about the NHS 10-year plan, neighbourhood health and the NHS settlement to understand how funding will flow through and reach people who need it, helping the government to achieve its strategic shifts in health and social care – from hospital to community, analogue to digital and treatment to prevention.”