Ellie Ames 10 November 2023

Government behind on scaled-back care reforms

Government behind on scaled-back care reforms image
Image: Travelpixs / Shutterstock.com

The Government is behind even on its revised plans to overhaul adult social care, a National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

Two years into its ten-year plan to reform the sector, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has not established a long-term funded plan or an overarching programme to coordinate reforms, making it difficult to know if it is on track to achieve its objectives, the NAO said.

The spending watchdog also revealed that only £729m of the previously committed £1.7bn may now be spent on the reforms between 2022 and 2025.

It said the DHSC was delivering on just two of its eight workforce projects: supporting international recruitment and adult social care volunteering.

'Significant work’ by both the DHSC and local authorities will be required to deliver the cap on people's lifetime care costs under plans that have already pushed back until October 2025, the NAO also found.

It stressed that the Government must ‘ensure it understands the impact of its ambitions on local authorities and other stakeholders’.

Simon Bottery, a senior fellow at health and care charity The King’s Fund, said the reforms represented ‘only a small sliver of what was promised by the Government in 2021’.

He added: ‘At a time when adult social care has never faced more profound problems, with record numbers of people requesting support, this is an utterly inadequate response.’

A DHSC spokesperson said: ‘We remain committed to reform and are investing up to £700m over this year and next to make major improvements to the adult social care system.

‘Additionally, we have made up to £8.1bn available to help local authorities tackle waiting lists, low fee rates, and workforce pressures, £570m of which will help local authorities improve adult social care provision, in particular by boosting the workforce.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner