Council chiefs have said the vulnerable, old and disabled people will see cuts to vital care services and higher charges. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has published its annual budget survey which show councils expect to spend £21.4bn this year in England. This is a rise from £20.8bn last year, but this isn’t enough says ADASS.
ADASS surveyed all 152 councils in England. Nearly half said they would be introducing higher charges, whilst three-quarters said they would be cutting the amount of care they provided. People are expected to contribute to the cost of care where they can. This will mean more people are likely to be pushed into the private market.
The report also showed that councils are concerned about the impact on the care homes they pay to provide these services. Nearly one in three councils had seen home care services close or cease trading in the past six months, while more had seen residential and nursing homes go under.
