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Cllr Izzi Seccombe responds to the UK Homecare Association (UKHCA) report into the cost of care

"Our analysis shows the sheer scale of the funding crisis we face in social care, both now and in the near future, as well as the damage done from the historic underfunding of adult social care.

"As part of our Autumn Statement submission to the Treasury, we have found that based on 'fair price of care' calculations by care providers, the immediate pressures threatening the stability of the provider market could amount to at least £1.3 billion.

"We also estimate that by 2019/20, a further £1.3 billion will be required to deal with the additional pressures brought about by an ageing population, inflation, and the cost of paying the National Living Wage.

"Councils, care providers, charities and the NHS are all united around the need for central government to fully fund adult social care. This is essential if we are to move away from just trying to keep people alive to ensuring they can live independent, fulfilling lives, as well as alleviating the pressure on the NHS.

"The care provider market cannot carry on as it is and there is a real danger of more widespread market failure. Either care is properly funded or providers will pull out of council contracts or in worst case scenario go bust. The market for publicly-funded care is simply not sustainable as it stands."

Related information: "The Homecare Deficit 2016"