Estimates Day

The MP intervened to highlight that when local authority spending on social care is squeezed and the demand goes up, unpaid carers often bear the burden. She pointed out a decline in direct support for unpaid carers from 2020 to 2021, as reported by The King’s Fund.

The Conservative MP raised concerns about the reliance on business rates for funding social care, suggesting it may not be an appropriate source of revenue given the mismatch between non-domestic rate income and social care demand.

Agrees with the need for long-term funding and radical change in adult social care. Emphasises the importance of addressing workforce shortages, demographic challenges, and the sustainability of current funding models. Proposes a universal care entitlement funded by central Government to ensure adequacy and fairness across generations. Suggests an optional care supplement insurance scheme to complement state-funded care for those who can afford it. Highlights the need for integration between health and social care systems, better use of technology, and increased provision of suitable housing to support independent living.

Welcomed the additional £2.3 billion in grant funding but noted concerns about increased council tax contributions. Highlighted the instability in social care due to rising demand, fewer care home beds, chronic staff shortages and acute inflationary pressures. Raised specific challenges for long-term learning disability and autism sectors, where many providers are unable to cross-subsidise their services with private clients. Emphasised the impact of rising minimum wage levels on funding without adequate support from central government. Urged the Minister to stabilise this growing sector caring for vulnerable people by considering Liberal Democrat suggestions including a fully funded carers minimum wage and addressing staffing pressures across health and care sectors.

Devon's elderly population is growing, and the county council spends about 25% of its budget on adult social care. The costs have increased by 23%, adjusted for inflation, over the last decade due to rurality, distance issues, and energy price hikes. Social care providers are struggling with payment methods and retaining staff in remote areas. There is a need to redesign schemes to accommodate rural needs, such as paying staff based on travel time or offering accommodation as part of their package. The hospital in North Devon often has ambulance queues due to insufficient social care services.

The Local Government Association is concerned that the money provided by the Government for adult social care does not cover the costs identified by councils, leading to potential financial strain on local authorities. This situation exacerbates inappropriate in-patient care and relies heavily on the NHS funding such placements.

The chronic underfunding of adult social care has led to a reliance on expensive and unsuitable in-patient units for autistic people and those with learning disabilities. These placements cost up to £1 million per year, often far from home and prone to abuse as seen in scandals like Edenfield Centre and Winterbourne View. The lack of funding means local authorities shift costs onto the NHS, which is inefficient. A national carers strategy is needed for respite care breaks and better support for unpaid carers.

The Government's neglect of social care has led to record high levels of staff vacancies and underpaid, overworked workforce. The current system is broken, with private patients prioritised over those who rely on state support. On International Women’s Day, it's crucial to highlight that the majority of unpaid carers are women, taking a hit to their careers and finances while providing care due to lack of professional support. There are currently more than half a million people waiting for social care assessments or services, leading to delays in treatment and financial strain on elderly individuals. The Government has failed to deliver promised reforms and funding, with 150,000 people dying over the last five years while waiting for state social care. Labour proposes a 10-year plan for investment and reform focusing on prevention and early intervention, fair pay for carers, and support for unpaid family carers.

Acknowledged the challenges in adult social care funding, highlighted demographic changes and inflationary pressures. Emphasised the need for a balanced approach between central and local funding. Discussed the Local Government Finance Settlement and efforts to address rural issues through specific grants.

Called for a 'dowry' system that would provide upfront funding for suitable housing placements, reducing NHS costs and improving care quality. Raised concerns about local authorities having to find large sums of money suddenly.

Highlighted the challenges in rural areas due to variance from urban averages and called for more leverage in funding settlements for top-tier authorities.

Asked whether the Government would introduce a new, discrete source of funding for social care as recommended by Select Committees. Emphasised the need for long-term stability and a dedicated funding stream.

Stressed the importance of long-term funding certainty for councils to ensure financial stability and attract care providers. Highlighted recent uncertainty in Shropshire regarding budget increases.

Agreed on long-term futures but criticised the lack of information provided to local authorities about public health grants, stressing the need for respect and early communication.

The debate has highlighted significant challenges in adult social care, with issues such as inadequate care standards, eligibility criteria changes limiting access to care, and hospital bed blockages due to lack of available care. Clive Betts emphasised the human aspect of these problems, focusing on individuals affected by poor care services and an overstretched workforce. He also criticised the current local government finance system for being insufficient and called for a sustainable funding solution that supports social care while addressing workforce issues and eligibility criteria.