22.09.17
Councils falling short of preventive care obligations
Councils are failing to meet their obligations to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care as set out in the Care Act 2014.
New research published by the Red Cross called ‘Prevention in Action 2017’ has found that although there are positive examples of change on a local level, this is not happening at the pace and scale to reach government-set targets for social care by 2020.
The Red Cross also emphasised that budgets are being cut and money is being diverted into operational costs at a time when local authorities need to invest in prevention and integrating health and care services.
In its study, the influential organisation found inconsistencies between local authorities when defining the meaning of ‘prevention’, as well as varying interpretations of how to fulfil government ambitions for health and care integration.
Researchers also warned that there was currently a lack of clarity around how to implement measures to prevent, reduce or delay the need for care and support.
Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, argued it was concerning that spending on preventive care had gone down at a point when councils should be scaling up.
“The Red Cross is concerned that intentions to fully integrate health and social care might remain a mere aspiration too,” he added.
“We don’t want to be in a position where, in a further two years, meaningful integration of health and social care services remains a distant ambition despite the government’s 2020 target for implementation.”
But Adamson revealed that, despite these findings, there was now a willingness across England to implement change, and great examples of transformation in action.
“But it is crucial that local decision makers are given the backing and resources they need if we are to see consistent and effective implementation in all parts of the country,” the CEO continued.
“The proposed Green Paper on social care provides a good opportunity to reconsider what is needed to make the Care Act’s vision for prevention and the integration of health and social care services a reality.”
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become a PSE columnist? If so, click here.