ADASS responds to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement  

Melanie Williams, President of ADASS, said: 

“We had hoped for recognition from the Government that the rise in employer NICs and National Living Wage is unsustainable without additional funding for councils who face a £1.2bn shortfall in providing care and support to older and disabled people. 

“Good social care for people with complex health needs is the only way to reduce pressure on our hospitals and realise the Government’s aim to shift to more community support and prevention. The cost of care is rising just as more people need this support, so we look forward to seeing investment in adult social care included in the Spending Review, and an acknowledgement that prioritising adult social care and investing in early care and support can improve outcomes for people and in turn, save the Government money in the long run. 

“The Health and Social Care Secretary recently said money committed to the NHS will be moved into adult social care and we trust this will provide, at least in part, a solution to the chronic underfunding of adult social care.”