Responding to the 2018 Budget, Glen Garrod, President of the
Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), said:
“It’s positive to see a step in the right direction in today’s
budget – the additional £650 million for social care will provide
necessary support to older and disabled people and their
families, care workers, providers and the NHS. However, this is
still far short of the £2.35 billion that ADASS identified would
be needed for social care to stand still in 2019/20; councils
have been struggling with funding shortfalls for years.
“It is also encouraging to see the funding for mental health
crisis services, which are vital, come from the £20 billion
funding already announced for the NHS. The £45 million for the
disabled facilities grant will also enable more people to live
independently, with home adaptations enabling them to live in
their own homes for as long as possible.
“It is important to remember that social care is accounting for
over 40 per cent of council budgets, whilst still not meeting all
the needs of the community. With rising need and increasing
complexity, the demand for care and support services is only
going to increase.
“This budget has failed to provide the long-term funding solution
that social care desperately needs – and whilst the extra
investment is welcome, the need for that long-term approach has
never been more urgent. Yet again, the Government has made
promises of the green paper on social care coming soon; yet
again, it has failed to materialise.
“The green paper now must become an urgent priority if we are to
ensure that older people and adults with disabilities who live in
our communities get the essential, person-centred care they need
that can truly transform live. The time for sticking plasters is
over – we now need to see a serious commitment towards making
social care sustainable.”
