ADASS Budget Survey highlights numerous dilemmas for councils funding care

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) is looking to increase the pressure on Government to see through effective care reform, with the publication of the Care and Support White Paper expected imminently.

The need for care reform is seen as critical by ADASS, not just because of the reality of an ageing populace, but also because of a recent ‘Budget Survey’ that highlights numerous alarming issues with the financing of care provision at a local level.

ADASS calculates that local councils are in the process of removing £890m from England’s social care budget; a figure reached after taking into account service innovations and re-designs.

Other key issues raised by the Survey include an increase in the number of adults with learning disabilities, a reduction in council spending on housing-related support, and pressures from care providers to see rising costs for care reflected in service prices.

ADASS president Sarah Pickup comments: “The latest survey shows that councils continue to strive to protect front line services through re-designing services to focus on prevention and recovery and reducing ongoing costs, and by reviewing processes, services and contracts to ensure value for money.

“Yet despite this and the use of transferred resources from the NHS to protect services and fund rising demographic pressures, some councils have had to resort to reductions in services to balance their budgets. We are particularly concerned at the impact this might have on preventative and voluntary sector services.

“With pressure from care home and home care providers to reflect rising costs in the prices we pay for care; charges to people who use services - often already at the maximum permitted level - rising demand; and a downward forward trajectory for councils' funding, it could not be clearer that there is a the desperate need for politicians from all parties quickly to find an answer to how we, as a nation, are going to adequately fund social care services in the future.”

Oliver Thomas, UK director of Bupa Care Homes, commented: "The survey reveals a worrying trend across the country. Government insists there are adequate funds in the social care system but reality on the ground shows a very different story. Some councils have recognised the problem and found extra this year from limited budgets but the Government must acknowledge there is a major shortfall that needs plugging – this must be addressed alongside the upcoming White Paper as a matter of urgency."

Image: ADASS president Sarah Pickup