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LGA responds to CLG Select Committee report into adult social care

Lord Porter, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee report into adult social care.

"The Committee has rightly recognised that an urgent review of how adult social care is funded is essential if we are to address the serious threats to social care provision in the long term.

"The announcement of £2 billion for adult social care in the Spring Budget marked a significant step towards protecting the services caring for the most vulnerable in our communities over the next few years, but it will not deal with all short-term pressures and it is not the long-term solution to the funding crisis that we have consistently called for. It is impossible to plan for the long-term without assurances of long-term funding."

"The Government's commitment in this year's Budget to publish a Green Paper which explores options for a long-term solution to the social care crisis provides the opportunity to begin a much-needed meaningful national conversation about how, as a society, we should best support people of all ages with care and support needs in our communities. For the Green Paper to be successful, local government leaders must play a central role so that any solutions are workable, affordable, and support the spirit and letter of the Care Act, which councils are fully committed to.

"All options must be on the table. The review must look at the increase in numbers of informal carers, the care that is provided to people with mental health conditions, learning and physical disabilities, as well as care and support for older people. This is the only way we will find a solution that ensures our future generations enjoy a care system which doesn't just help them out of bed and get them washed and dressed but ensures they have dignified and fulfilling lives.

"With councils facing further funding pressures and growing demand for support by the end of the decade, councils are clear that the recommendations that come out of the Green Paper cannot end up being kicked into the long grass like other social care reviews, inquiries, and commissions have been in the past decade. It is vital that political differences are put aside in the interests of real leadership so that we can tackle this crucial public policy question.

"We have long called for income generated by localised business rates to be used to cover existing pressures before any new responsibilities are considered so we are pleased that the Committee is recommending that local government should be allowed to use some of the additional business rates revenue to close any adult social care funding shortfall that exists when 100 per cent business rates retention comes into effect."

View report here

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