Sam Clayden 23 November 2016

Autumn Statement: Councillors 'furious' at failure to address social care funding crisis

Local government has reacted with fury after the chancellor failed to address cross-sector calls to plug the soaring social care funding gap.

Momentum has built behind a torrent of warnings from social care directors, charities, health bosses and finance experts that the social care sector was not sustainable and was piling further pressure on an already crippled NHS.

Despite hopes that Philip Hammond would offer some relief for the struggling sectors, his first – and last – Autumn Statement bore no fruits.

Society of Local Authority Chief Executives president Jo Miller said social care was the ‘elephant in the room’.

She said: ‘It is almost universally understood that the system is extremely fragile and negatively impacts on an NHS which is also under pressure.

‘Many across both sectors had hoped for some concession from the Chancellor – a recognition of the seriousness of the situation and some clear measures to tackle it. It is disappointing that this has not happened.

‘We can only hope that, in the public spending review the Chancellor announced, the Government is developing a serious plan to ensure the future sustainability of our health and care systems.’ Independent Age chief executive Janet Morrison added: ‘The longer we ignore the problem, the worse it will get.

‘No additional funding has been forthcoming and consequently hundreds of thousands of frail and elderly will continue to suffer as care services are cut back and fall into decline.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner