The Department for Communities and Local Goverment have published new figures showing local councils are planning to invest an extra £308 million this year on adult social care services.

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

“The care system is chronically underfunded, and while we welcome this extra money it is a drop in the ocean if councils are to keep up with massive pressures they are under.

“All too often we hear from older and disabled people whose support falls short: who are struggling to do the basics and get up, get dressed and get out of the house. We know that carers are also finding things tough right now.

“The new council tax precept and the Better Care Fund, announced by the Chancellor last year, were a recognition of the need to better fund the social care system, but fall far short of what is needed. The additional Better Care Fund money won’t be available until  next year. As a result, councils warn that there will be at least a £1.4 billion gap between demand and funding in 2016/17.

“The Government needs to urgently address the social care funding crisis so that older and disabled people are able to do the basics in life”

The Care and Support Alliance represents more than 80 of Britain’s leading charities campaigning alongside the millions of older people, disabled people and their carers who deserve decent care.

Media contact: Warren Kirwan, Senior Press Officer, Scope, T: 020 7619 720