Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about adult social care.
We must all receive dignified care in old age and, with and ageing population, this is one of the biggest challenges our country faces.
I support the Government’s commitment to making sure that the most vulnerable in society gain the support they need. While it is important to note that more than four of every five people in care are with good and outstanding organisations, it is clear that more needs to be done – crucially by securing a long-term funding solution. I am delighted that the Prime Minister has spoken of his determination to tackle this, stating in his first speech as Prime Minister that “we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared, to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”.
Since 2015 local authorities have had greater flexibility over the use of the council tax social care precept, so they can choose to raise extra money, and they can retain savings from the New Homes Bonus, totalling £240 million. In the Spending Round in September 2019, an extra £1.5 billion was made available to councils for adult social care services. This funding should be viewed as a significant down payment as we move towards a long-term funding solution.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Mel Stride MP
MP for Central Devon
