The confidence of local authority leaders in their capacity to deliver adult social care has declined by over 20% in just eight months, a new survey reveals.
A quarterly survey of council leaders and chief executives by the New Local Government Network has revealed a steep decline in the capacity of councils to deliver social care.
The think tank’s Leadership Index found that since March, council leadership confidence that they have sufficient powers and resources to deliver social care for adults has fallen by 21%.
The poll of the 150 councils responsible for delivering social care also found that 97% are planning to raise council tax from March 2019 as a result of funding cuts and increasing demand.
Brexit was also a serious concern for council leaders. Almost half said they expect a no-deal Brexit would increase their costs for providing care for the elderly and those with disabilities.
‘These figures add to the growing evidence that care provided to the most vulnerable people in the country is now in a state of crisis,’ said NLGN director Adam Lent.
‘Leaving aside the appalling human cost, it is daft to spend billions of extra pounds on the NHS while social care goes to the wall.
‘The less care the elderly, disabled and at-risk children get, the more they will turn up at A&E putting pressure on the health service.
‘It is vital the chancellor addresses this irrational policy in his Budget by accepting that the £20.5bn “birthday present” for the NHS is shared with councils.’
