County councils raise social care funding concerns

County councils have raised fresh concerns over social care funding shortfalls. Responding to the Government’s Caring for our Future consultation, the County Councils Network (CCN) said it supported plans to introduce a cap on social care costs, but raised concerns over possible funding shortfalls and the universal deferred payment system.
According to a survey of CCN members, 70% support the principles, but 100% have major concerns over the shortfalls.

Concerns over the risk of deferred payments led CCN to ask that the Government underwrites the cost of establishing a Deferred Payment Company, which would be similar in operation to the Student Loan Company.

‘CCN members welcome this opportunity to get care funding on the right track to support growing demands,’ said CCN chairman, Cllr David Hodge.

‘CCN members want to be at the forefront of this important programme and look forward to working with the Government to ensure care programmes meet people’s needs and are sustainably funded in the short, medium and long-term.’