Laura Sharman 06 March 2017

MPs say chancellor should close social care funding gap up to 2020

The Government has been urged to bring forward £1.5bn from the Better Care Fund to close the funding gap in social care by MPs.

A report from the Communities and Local Government (CLG) said the money would close the funding gap for 2017-18, but a long-term review of social care is required.

The Committee said there were concerns about how much the social care precept could raise, but it added that if councils have not raised the maximum amount available to them, this would weaken the argument against a lack of government funding.

Clive Betts, chair of the CLG Committee, said: ‘The Government should bring forward £1.5bn from the improved Better Care Fund to help social care services meet the immediate pressures over the next year and then commit to closing the funding gap up to 2020.

‘While short-term action is vital, there are funding, structural, and other problems facing the social care sector in the medium- and long-term which we shall be addressing in our final report published next month.’

Margaret Willcox, president elect of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said: 'With care homes closing, councils projecting in-year overspends of almost £450m, services are in significant and increasing jeopardy.

'The Government needs to use next week’s Budget to announce genuine new money to fund social care, otherwise the worrying consequences for older and disabled people, their families and carers, will continue.'

Designing for cohesion image

Designing for cohesion

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, discusses how community spaces can strengthen local connections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Community Safety Service Manager

Bristol City Council
£72,878 - £80,741
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced community safety expert to join our senior leadership team. Bristol
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Safeguarding Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Safeguarding Team Manager to lead an operational team within Adult Services. This pivotal role over Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner