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What the autumn budget means for social care

On November 17, the government presented its autumn statement – but what does this mean for the social care sector? Carry on reading for a snapshot summary of everything you need to know…

 

Key points: 

  • During the government’s autumn budget it was revealed that the social care sector will be granted £2.8bn in 2023, and a further £4.7bn in 2024. 
  • Social care reforms have been paused for 2 years to ease pressures on local authorities. 
  • The Better Care Fund will provide £600m between 2023-24 and a further £1bn in 2024-25 to help free up NHS beds and move those discharged into suitable care settings. 
  • £400m investment to go towards adult social care in 2023-24 and £680m in 2024-25. 
  • Lifetime cap on care costs of £86,000, as well as a more generous criteria for the social means test. 

 

The Country Councils Network said that the government’s decision to delay the adult social care reforms was “completely the right one”.

It recognises that this news may come as a disappointment to some but is needed to protect the vulnerable and will help give councils time to get the care system back on track: 

“This will go a long way to enable us to address existing pressures, commission more care packages, and ensure that the reforms are a success on day one of their introduction in 2025.”

 

Cllr Tim Oliver, Chairman of the County Councils Network, added: 

“While today’s announcements help meet inflationary and social care pressures, councils still face very difficult decisions over the next two years, with little resource available for local leaders to protect non-care services and deliver improvements to vital services. In addition, some county leaders may be reluctant to levy a 5% council tax increase during a cost-of-living crisis considering ratepayers in county areas currently pay the highest bills on average.

 

“Looking ahead, a reduction in planned funding growth from 2025 could be extremely difficult for local services, which are already under immense pressure. Unless government addresses inflation next year, and the economy picks up before 2025, councils’ funding shortfall will grow year-on-year and become unsustainable.”

 

Want to chat? Get in touch with the Imperium Resourcing  team now: [email protected] or 0203 929 4000. 

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