Care England Comments: Black Hole in Local Authority Funding

Care England, the largest and most diverse representative body for independent providers of adult social care in England, has today responded to the BBC investigation revealing a black hole in local authority budgets continues to grow, with the average council now facing a £33m predicted deficit by 2025/26.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England said: “The BBC’s findings while alarming, do not come as a surprise. The warning lights have been flashing for a long time. There is simply not enough money in local systems. Our Sector Pulse Check, published with the national learning disability charity Hft, found 42% of care providers reported they have had to close down part of their business or hand back contracts to local authorities due to cost pressures. This is despite the demand for care services growing. Without central government properly funding local councils, the demand will continue to far outweigh the ability of the care sector to respond. Without having the right care in the right places, vulnerable people across England will be unable to access the support they need. Care England will continue to call on Government to recognise the vital service adult social care provides, and to implement a long-term funding plan to ensure nobody is left without access to the support they need.”