London boroughs call for social care funding boost

The cross-party group London Councils has that adult social care should receive the same funding increases as the NHS to safeguard London’s future resilience.

Highlighting the importance of adult social care services in the on-going coronavirus pandemic, boroughs in the capital argue that parity with NHS funding growth will help ensure the effectiveness of all parts of the health and care system in the face of future pressures.

Analysis by London Councils shows that had adult social care spending risen in line with NHS spending since 2010, an additional £800 million would be available to spend on adult social care across the capital in 2020-21. However, even before coronavirus, London’s adult social care sector faced a funding shortfall of £130 million this year, which could expand to £600 million by 2025 unless investment is increased to meet burgeoning demand for care services.

London Councils is urging ministers to use the government’s upcoming Spending Review to address these finance pressures, pointing to the sector’s crucial role in caring for 150,000 Londoners, keeping people out of hospital, and supporting NHS performance.

Damian White, London Councils’ executive member for Health & Care, said: “Adult social care services have proved themselves essential in supporting so many vulnerable Londoners through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We also know that adult social care plays a crucial role in keeping people out of hospital and relieving pressure on NHS services. The sector is an invaluable part of our health and care system – and that’s why it needs the same funding increases as the NHS. Providing assured, long-term investment in both health and social care is the best way of sustaining services and making sure Londoners receive the support they need in future years.”