Social care must remain 'rooted in local government' council leaders have warned, to make sure it is democratic and accountable.

Responding to a report by the Fabian Society and Unison, the Local Government Association (LGA) says it rightly highlights the ways social care has suffered in recent years from instability and workforce shortages.

The Fabian Society set out a 'roadmap' for a national care service that it hopes would address the existing 'patchy, impersonal and inadequate state provision'.

It says a 10-year Government spending commitment is needed, with a promise to increase real-terms funding for adult social care each year.

But it warns there is no quick fix and comprehensive reform is needed.

David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: 'Social care has faced years of chronic under-funding and this report rightly highlights many of the ways social care has suffered, including in its workforce and in the instability of care markets.

'We support the contribution of this report, particularly around a long-term and sustainable approach to funding social care.

'However, any new system of social care must remain firmly rooted in local government to ensure that decisions are made at a local level, backed by local democratic accountability.

'Councils know their communities best, lead important work with local partners that supports and improves people’s wellbeing, and, with the right resources, will continually strive for improved performance and innovation in the way care and support is commissioned and delivered.'

If this story was of interest, then check out our feature, 'Health & care transformation: What do we need to consider?'

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