Councils spending less on social care – report

An analysis of English councils’ spending plans for social care this years suggests an 8.4% cut, equating to £610m, according to charity Age UK.

Charity director Michelle Mitchell said: “Funding for social care is already inadequate and the system today is failing many older people at the time when they really need help. The consequences of cutting expenditure further by 8.4%, as indicated by our research, could be devastating.”

But the Government said the study was flawed and that Age UK had accounted for only 35% of a £1bn cash transfer from the NHS earmarked for social care.

Care services Minister Paul Burstow said: “We know that social care needs urgent reform, but Age UK's figures simply don't add up. Their suggestion that only 35% of NHS social care funding will be spent on older people is simply wrong.”

Next week, the official review into funding long-term care for elderly and disabled people written by economist Andrew Dilnot will be published, and will urge increased public spending on care and support.

The Treasury is reported to be wary of the recommendations that would see increased spending.

Experts have suggested the review is likely to recommend ‘partnership’ arrangements between the state and individuals on care funding.

A White Paper should be published by the end of the year, with legislation expected next year – with a new system likely to be up and running by around 2015-16.