LGA: ‘tough years ahead’ for social care

Council leaders have backed up MPs concerns over their resources to maintain current levels of social care, following a warning from the commons health select committee.

The Local Government Association has claimed there will be ‘some tough years ahead’ for adult social care, despite the extra funding, and eligibility criteria would have to be tightened up.

Responding to the committee’s report on public expenditure, Cllr David Rogers, chair of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said there would be a ‘large funding gap’ following the cuts laid out in the comprehensive spending review.

‘We warned weeks ago that many councils will have to look at tightening eligibility criteria and increasing charges for care services. That the select committee has re-iterated this is a clear reflection of the reality we now face.

‘Local government is committed to working with the Department of Health to improve efficiency and offer the best care we can, but it must be recognised town halls are under fierce pressure to balance their budgets.’