News Story

Community Care figures show that fewer people are receiving support

October 5, 2016

Vicky McDermott, Chair of the Care and Support Alliance said:

“Figures released from NHS Digital today show that fewer and fewer people are receiving the care and support they desperately need (1). This is yet another indicator of the impact that chronic underfunding of social care in England is having.

“Many vulnerable people rely on social care for their most basic needs, like getting out of bed, washing and eating. Today’s publication makes sobering reading, showing that fewer people are receiving long term support despite demographic pressures meaning that more and more people need it.

“Because of a lack of funds, cuts to care budgets mean that vulnerable older people, disabled people and their carers are being forced out of the system. ADASS figures from earlier this year show that an extra £1billion per year is needed just to ‘stand still’ (2).

“The Prime Minister will be judged by her actions, not her words. If Theresa May is serious about creating a ‘country that works for everyone’,  she must address the growing crisis in social care funding, and we urge her to make it a priority in the autumn statement.”

Note to editors:

  1. Community Care Statistics: Social Services Activity, England 2015-16: http://www.content.digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB21934
  2. ADASS budget survey 2016 https://www.adass.org.uk/adass-budget-survey-2016-full-report

The Care and Support Alliance represents more than 90 of Britain’s leading charities campaigning alongside the millions of older people, disabled people and their carers who deserve decent care

For press enquiries contact: Muna Suleiman on csa@nas.org.uk and 0207 923 5723