In response to a recent report calling for more support for carers and further investment and reform of adult social care, the Local Government Association (LGA) has praised the efforts of councils so far and backed the calls for additional support going forward.
Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Every part of the care and support sector is under intense pressure due to the current crisis and councils are doing all they can to support carers and those they care for through this.
“Our care system could not survive without the contribution of unpaid carers, who provide vital support for thousands of people every day. Councils fully recognise their crucial role and assess and support hundreds of thousands of carers every year, but could do even more with the right resources.
“We know that caring can place a real strain on carers – emotionally, physically and financially, especially during this pandemic, which is why councils are committed to doing all they can to support them.
“Social care deserves parity of esteem with the NHS. This needs to be backed up by a genuine, long-term and sustainable funding settlement for adult social care, which we have been calling for long before the current crisis.
“We look forward to the beginning of promised cross-party talks on the future of adult social care, as soon as possible.”
The LGA represents more than 330 councils of all types across England. We work on behalf of our members to support, promote and improve local government.
