Social Care Demand

Rising Need: More Working Age Adults Require Social Care in Bristol

Bristol City Council reports a significant increase in working age adults needing social care, surpassing the elderly population. This shift is attributed to rising disability rates over the past decade.

The council spent £198m on adult social care last year, with a notable portion allocated to those under 65. This demographic change highlights the city's relatively young population and evolving care needs.

More individuals are now supported at home rather than in care homes, reflecting a broader trend in social care services. This approach aims to provide tailored support while managing costs effectively.

Financial Crisis 

Dire Financial Outlook: Adult Social Care Faces Unprecedented Challenges

A survey by ADASS reveals the worst financial outlook for adult social care in seven years, driven by rising needs and cost shifts from the NHS. Councils overspent by £586m in 2023-24, with further budget cuts expected.

Only 10% of directors are confident in meeting statutory duties for 2024-25, down from 35% in 2019-20. Preventive service investments are also being reduced, exacerbating the crisis.

ADASS urges the new Labour government to reallocate resources from hospitals to social care and commit to a long-term, fully funded solution. Labour's manifesto lacks specific funding commitments for adult social care.

Integrated Care

LGA's Response: Addressing Integrated Care System Challenges

The LGA acknowledges the King's Fund report on integrated care systems, highlighting the essential role of councils. Positive examples of coordinated efforts are noted, but challenges like rising service demand and financial pressures persist.

The report underscores a recruitment and retention crisis in the health and care sector. A dedicated workforce plan for social care, alongside the NHS plan, is crucial to address these issues.

Promoting and supporting social care careers with better pay and conditions will enhance worker wellbeing and benefit care recipients. This approach aims to strengthen the sector and improve service delivery.

Integration Campaign 

Making Integration Happen: Promoting Seamless Health and Social Care

Skills for Care's new campaign focuses on enhancing integrated care systems (ICS) to provide personalised support. CEO Oonagh Smyth emphasises the importance of collaboration between health and social care sectors.

The campaign aims to empower social care providers to engage with ICS, highlighting the benefits of coordinated services. It also seeks to clarify relationships and promote understanding of the sector's value.

Running throughout July, the campaign includes resources, expert blogs, and encourages sharing insights on social media using #IntegratedCare. This initiative supports better coordination, career opportunities, and sector-wide discussions on key issues.

Austerity Impact

Conservative Rule: Austerity's Toll on Adult Social Care

Conservative governance saw adult social care in England struggle with austerity and the Covid-19 pandemic. Budget cuts led to reduced services and unmet needs, while promised reforms were delayed or abandoned.

The Care Act 2014 aimed to modernise social care but was hindered by fiscal constraints. The pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities, with significant excess deaths and workforce challenges.

Labour's return brings high expectations for investment and reform. However, questions remain about funding and the practical implementation of their pledges, including a national care service and fair pay for care workers.

Neighbourhood Health Service 

Transforming Care: Prioritising Community Health Services

The new government aims to shift focus from hospitals to community health services. Wes Streeting's visit to a GP surgery signals this change, emphasising the importance of primary care.

The plan includes diverting funds from hospitals to community services, addressing long-term sustainability rather than short-term savings. This approach seeks to manage health better and reduce hospital overcrowding.

Success hinges on sustained reform, clear vision, and flexibility for local leaders. Addressing adult social care reform is also crucial for realising the neighbourhood health service vision.

Social Care Crisis

Councils in Crisis: Social Care and Hospital Discharge Pressures

Councils are struggling with overspending on adult social care due to increased demands from hospital discharges. A survey reveals 72% of councils overspent in 2023/24, with a national overspend of £586m.

The push for rapid hospital discharges has led to larger care packages and increased responsibilities for social care staff. Eight in 10 directors report staff performing tasks previously done by NHS staff without additional funding.

ADASS and UNISON highlight the unsustainable situation, calling for more resources and staff to break the cycle. The new government's fair pay agreement in care offers hope for change.