LinCA’s response to Autumn Statement shows “promising” path for the future of social care

Melanie Weatherley MBE, chair of Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA) responds to the Autumn Statement, which has promised to restore stability to the economy, protect high-quality public services and build long-term prosperity across the UK.

The statement from The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, revealed decisions on spending are expected to save the economy £30 billion, whilst the NHS and social care will be granted access to £8 billion in 2024-25. Furthermore, adult social care charging reforms will now be delayed by 2 years, with funding being retained in local authority budgets to meet current pressures.

On reacting to the latest fiscal statement, Melanie said: “It’s encouraging to see the social care sector getting the recognition it deserves and to hear how more is being done to reform the sector, covering technology, workforce, housing, assurance and more – despite the tough financial stresses that we are all living with.

“However, a lack of funding is still our biggest issue present. We need adequate funding to be trickled down from the top to retain our existing workforce, encourage people to work in the sector and to support the NHS through the winter. We need this now – we can’t wait until 2024. The Department of Health and Social Care needs to take action before it’s too late.”

LinCA represents care and support providers in both the independent and voluntary sectors. The UK adult social care sector supports some of the most vulnerable people in society, and

LinCA works closely alongside care providers across Lincolnshire by supporting their delivery of effective services and ensuring a sustainable choice of quality care provisions.

Find out more about LinCA at: www.linca.org.uk. View the Autumn Statement here.