Local authorities in London have called on the Government to ensure adult social care receives the same funding increases as the NHS in the upcoming spending review.
Analysis by the cross-party group London Councils shows that had adult social care spending risen in line with NHS spending since 2010, an additional £800m would be available to spend on adult social care across London in 2020-21.
The group found that London boroughs expect to spend around £350m extra on adult social care in 2020/21 due to COVID-19 – almost one third of their anticipated additional spending.
However, even before COVID-19, London’s adult social care sector faced a funding shortfall of £130m this year, which could expand to £600m by 2025 unless investment is increased to meet growing demand.
‘Adult social care services have proved themselves essential in supporting so many vulnerable Londoners through the COVID-19 pandemic,’ said Cllr Damian White, London Councils’ executive member for health & care.
‘We also know that adult social care plays a crucial role in keeping people out of hospital and relieving pressure on NHS services. The sector is an invaluable part of our health and care system – and that’s why it needs the same funding increases as the NHS.
‘Providing assured, long-term investment in both health and social care is the best way of sustaining services and making sure Londoners receive the support they need in future years.’
