We have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to take the opportunity to encourage him to protect social care funding ahead of the Autumn Statement announcement this week.
In our letter we ask the Chancellor to remember the stories he has heard of those receiving care and support and working in the sector over the years. We remind him of what he said at our conference: that the social care sector is at risk of 'falling over' if local authorities are not properly funded; that funding homecare is important for meeting NHS targets; and that homecare is key to prevention.
We ask him to ensure that:
- The budget for the Department of Health and Social Care is protected.
- Local authorities receive adequate funding to meet their duties under the Care Act 2014; including meeting unmet need.
- The results of the Fair Cost of Care exercises are made public and the true costs of care met by Government to ensure we can maintain and grow the workforce. A care sector disintegrating and unable to meet need is a source of national shame. This must be addressed.
