Age UK's Campaign on Adult Social Care

Thank you for contacting me about adult social care. I recognise the great contribution made by Age UK in raising concerns relating to older people.
 
I believe that it is vital to ensure that people receive proper care. This is one of the biggest challenges for our country facing as it does an ageing population. I support the Government's commitment to making sure this country works for everyone and that the most vulnerable in society gain the support they need.
 
I know that the Government recognises the current pressures facing local areas. More than £7 billion extra has been introduced to support councils fund social care over the next three years. Local authorities have greater flexibility over the use of the council tax social care precept, so they can choose to raise extra money as well as retaining savings from the New Homes Bonus, totalling £240 million.
 
There will be further support, with the Chancellor's recent announcement of an additional £2 billion to councils in England over the next three years to spend on adult social care services. I am encouraged that £1 billion will be provided in 2017-18, to enable immediate action. Since 2015, councils will have access in total to £9.25 billion more dedicated funding for social care over the next three years.
 
Money alone will not fix the problem and reform is needed to encourage high standards across the whole country. Some councils already provide high quality social care within their existing budgets, showing that reform can be achieved and half of all delayed discharges from hospital to home arise in just 24 local authorities.
 
The Government is focussed on exploring and consulting on all options for future social care. I welcome this, as the consultation will investigate options to create a fair, sustainable, and accessible social care system. I acknowledge that there have been many consultations into care policy over the years; however I am encouraged that the Government believes that the upcoming consultation will usher in a real cultural change into how we tackle the issues of an aging population as a society.