Panorama programme 'brings social care problems to life'

Both the County Council Network and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services have praised Somerset County Council for appearing on BBC1’s Panorama highlighting the reform of social care.

The first of a two-part documentary broadcast on Wednesday, 29 May looked at the pressure on social care services as the population ages and sets out the need for a plan to fund care in the long-term. The TV crew spent 10 months filming adult social care services at Somerset County Council.

The County Council Network (CCN) which represents all 26 county councils and 10 county unitary authorities published figures this week estimating that, by 2024/25 councils will need to be spending an extra £6.1bn every year on adult social care, compared to 2015/16.

Kathryn Smith, chief operating officer at Alzheimer's Society called the crisis a "national disgrace" and said: “Panorama shines a light on the human cost of a care system that is unfair, unsustainable and in need of urgent overhaul.

"With adult social care services across the country facing a funding gap of more than £1.5 billion, people with dementia are increasingly struggling to access the care they need and family carers are buckling under the strain."

’We hope that these films can play some part in pushing it to the top of the political and public agenda’

According to Somerset County Council, in 2039, 24 per cent of England’s population will be aged 65 or over and by 2035, 12 per cent of England’s population with be aged 65 or over and living with a long-term illness.

Stephen Chandler, director of adult services at Somerset County Council, who gave Panorama the go ahead to film the documentary, revealed: “The stories told in these films are playing out up and down the country.”

He added: "We agreed to get involved in these films because we want to play our part in putting these issues on people’s agendas.

“More funding and more certainty of funding is important, but it won’t provide all the answers. These films also ask important questions of all of us about the future of care, what we want for our loved ones when they need care, and what role our communities should have in looking after people when they need support.

“There are no easy answers but doing nothing is not an option and these are issues and questions relevant to every community in this country.”

Over the last nine years, councils have faced yearly cutbacks and council leaders have warned that in that period costs in caring for people on a daily basis have doubled whilst funding has decreased. In the period 2016-2020 counties will lose 43 per cent of government grant funding, on top of reductions during the coalition years.

Mr Chandler said: “It’s been reassuring to see the impact these films are having on those who have seen them. They set out to bring social care to life and all the human stories that go with it – many of them heart-breaking.

“They are already starting to raise the profile and start a debate, and that is why we got involved. We need to make sure the debate then turns into action. The future of social care is a hugely important issue for this country and we hope that these films can play some part in pushing it to the top of the political and public agenda where it belongs.”

’Ministers should not shirk the difficult questions as to how and who should pay for care’

Panorama documents incredible stories of difficult decisions that comes with the growing demand for care from an ageing population at a time of limited funding. Panorama also pose difficult questions about the costs of care, who pays them, and the future role society plays in supporting vulnerable people.

Cllr David Williams, county councils network spokesman for health and social care, and leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Today’s powerful Panorama programme should underscore to government the imperative for a sustainable funding solution for social care.

"We applaud Somerset for stepping forward to demonstrate the pressures within local care services as well as reflecting the commitment of local government to do the best for residents.

“As Somerset have said, this is not only a local issue; it is a national issue and a topic successive government have been unable to find the answer to."

A new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) shows the fragile nature of the social care system after years of underfunding and little reform.

By 2025, councils will be spending £6.1bn more on adult social care services compared to what was spent in 2016.

The 36 county authorities in England are responsible for £2.9bn of this, their large and ageing populations means they are most exposed to demand and cost pressures. This is before we consider any new cost burdens that may result from the forthcoming adult social care green paper.

“The report shows beyond doubt that the current situation is plainly unsustainable. Ministers should not shirk the difficult questions as to how and who should pay for care,” says Mr Williams.

Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) president, Julie Ogley, said: “This is not just a Somerset story, but a national one facing all councils.

"We applaud everyone in Somerset for their courage in sharing their personal experiences and the film-makers for their unique portrayal of the range of perspectives in a sensitive, touching and powerful way.”

Panorama: Crisis in Care airs on BBC One on 29 May and 5 June.