Hammond’s £2bn will not fix social care’s problems
The Chancellor has not fixed the social care crisis with his announcement of £1 billion now and half of that over the following two years. Neither does the promised Green Paper suggest stability and sustainability are yet nailed.
The additional funding appears to be a grant. As such it may well be short term and ring fenced for particular purposes. It may well have its own distribution formula, and be subject to detailed reporting or other conditions. The tone of the announcement suggests a bias towards using it for more packages of care for those waiting for services and reducing delayed discharges.
This announcement drops into a context where the rest of council services, many fundamental to the lives of people supported by social care, will be squeezed further and the scale of change required to the NHS locally is complex and unprecedented.
It is welcome that the widespread lobbying has produced a significant response from the government and the green paper provides a platform for renewed discussions about reform and innovation. But we must beware false dawns. The King’s Fund has reminded us that there have been 12 white papers, green papers, reviews and consultations from the last 20 years already in the long grass. Is it likely that there is much more to be said than in the recent Barker and Dilnot reports?
The crisis in social care has many facets and understandably estimates of the costs of addressing it vary considerably. For a start it is not solely about older people, councils and delayed discharges. Fewer people across all age ranges are getting state funded support, and those with small but important needs to maintain their independence and quality of life may miss out altogether. Others have to pay for care privately because of care is subject to a means and needs test.
The impact of the crisis is felt directly by unpaid carers, stretched workers often covering gaps caused by recruitment difficulties, and charities and businesses trying to manage rising costs and diminishing fee or grant income.
Action is needed across the piece. Serious attention needs to be given to early interventions that prevent the need for longer term spending. We need a stronger focus on recovery and regaining independence for those experiencing a medical or social emergency. It is important too to look at the individual support needs of those living with a long-term disability or condition, their quality of life and contribution to the economy. We should support carers better, of course.
Finally, resources must reach the frontline to help recruit and retain the quality of staff needed and to help services adapt and innovate to meet changing needs.
Andrew Cozens is an independent social care and health specialist.