Mark Whitehead 03 March 2017

Analysis of STPs shows funding gap of at least £2bn in 2017/18

The £2bn funding shortfall for social care next year will put health reform plans at risk, according to health campaigners.

The Health Foundation says analysis of local Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) for reform of the NHS shows they will hit vulnerable and older people and their families hardest.

The research totted up the estimated funding gaps identified in the local plans to produce a figure for the national shortfall.

It says the unmet needs for services that help people live in their own home is greater for those on low incomes and the gap between rich and poor is widening.

One senior health and social care leader involved in a local plan told the researchers: ‘We’re all looking over the same cliff edge…even if one of the smaller organisations went over, the impact on the rest of the system is huge and then we’d all go over together.’

Anita Charlesworth of the Health Foundation called for a cash injection into social care in next week's budget.

She said: ‘The health service’s own figures suggest that social care needs £2bn of extra funding for next year, in line with other research. The case for funding social care could not be clearer.'

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said STPs would only be successful if the funding gap in social care was addressed.

Margaret Willcox, president elect of ADASS, said: 'With care homes closing, councils projecting in-year overspends of almost £450m, and the cost of the welcome National Living Wage, if STPs are to succeed it is vital that the funding crisis in adult social care is addressed to enable their implementation, as this report highlights.

In next week’s Budget the Chancellor needs to provide genuine new money and a long-term, sustainable solution for adult social care. This will help to ensure STPs are successful by providing dignified care to thousands of older and disabled people and their families who are struggling to manage with services currently in significant and increasing jeopardy.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner