13.08.14
Government must resource councils for Care Act changes – Solace
The success of the government’s Care Act will ultimately depend on it ensuring the new burdens faced by local councils are fully understood and resourced, Solace has stated.
Jo Farrar, a Solace spokesperson and chief executive of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “This is particularly crucial where the reforms are complicated and difficult to model, such as the changes in eligibility thresholds and the new duties on deferred payments.
“We remain convinced of the need for an independent process to impartially confirm the councils are receiving enough funding to deliver these reforms successfully.”
In its response to the government’s consultation on the draft regulations and guidance for implementation of Part 1 of the Care Act in 2015-16, the organisation added that in order to achieve world-class care further integration and collaboration across the health and care system is needed.
Solace, the representative body for more than 1,200 chief executives and senior strategic managers working in the public sector, also noted that a system is needed that provides joined up health and social care support designed to promote people's wellbeing, enabling them to be active members of their community and to maintain their independence where possible.
“These reforms are a welcome first step on this journey,” said Farrar. “But we encourage government to continue its strong partnership with the local government sector as we all work towards a health and care system fit for the 21st century.”
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