WIREDGOV

Responding to an NHS Providers survey of trust leaders, which found that 83 per cent were worried that insufficient investment is being made in social care in their area, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:

“Social care services will play an absolutely vital role in relieving pressure on the NHS this winter, especially as we look to minimise the second wave of coronavirus.

“Councils and care providers have been working constantly throughout the pandemic to support our elderly and most vulnerable people, despite also facing rising demand and significant financial burdens.

“Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS, with the pandemic highlighting the incredibly valuable role of social care in its own right.

“The upcoming Spending Review must urgently provide councils with the extra funding they need to help shore up social care ahead of winter, while also using this as the basis for future reform of social care to place it on a long-term, sustainable footing.”

Notes to Editors

Councils in England face a funding gap of more than £5 billion by 2024 to maintain services at current levels - this figure could double amid the huge economic and societal uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The LGA’s detailed submission to the Comprehensive Spending Review sets out how £10 billion is needed to not only plug this gap but meet growing demand pressures and improve services for communities.