WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has welcomed news that an extra £240million will be invested into Adult Social Care, but stresses more funding is needed to meet the current long-term demand.
The announcement was made at the Conservative Party conference by the Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
The government is set to inject an emergency £240m into the social care system in an attempt to ease pressure on the NHS this winter and stave off crisis in the ailing sector, which has endured a £7billion budget cut in England since 2010.
Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care, Councillor Adrian Hardman, said: “This announcement is a start of sorts in addressing the need to meet the increasing demands on Adult Social Care nationally but this acknowledgement is only the beginning of tackling this national issue.
“Supporting everyone to achieve their full potential and to make the most of all opportunities, no matter their age is something that is extremely important to us here in Worcestershire.
“The passion and dedication of our staff, is a great reminder as to why this service needs to be continually funded.”
The extra funding that Worcestershire will receive as a result of today’s announcement, will support the County Council to continue to provide 6,360 people in Worcestershire who are receiving social care support.
The County Council has an annual net budget of more than £324 million. More than 40% of the budget is allocated specifically to Adult Social Care.
The County Council’s current Adult Social Care at 70 campaign celebrates the 70th year of Adult Social Care and highlights the difference the services and support offered, continue to make to people’s lives across the county. The campaign, which will run throughout the year, will continue to showcase the need for further funding to ensure that good quality support is available for those who need it.
Adult Social Care was launched when The National Assistance Act was passed in 1948 and has allowed social workers and social care assistants to help many thousands of people in Worcestershire to lead independent, dignified lives.
