‘Care deserts’ emerging as system falls apart

15 May 2019
‘Care deserts’ emerging as system falls apart
An analysis carried out for Age UK has prompted warning that the system for looking after frail older people in England is falling apart.
The ageing charity found that approximately 30 per cent of areas now have no residential care beds, with what are being dubbed ‘care deserts’ emerging. The situation is worse for nursing homes, with more than 60 per cent having no places.
Age UK says that the situation has now reached a point where about 1.4 million older people are not getting the care they need - translating to nearly one in seven of the over-65 population.

Inequalities in pay is threatening democracy

14 May 2019
Inequalities in pay is threatening democracy
The IFS has warned that inequalities in pay and opportunities in the UK are becoming so extreme they are threatening democracy.

Two-fold difference in mental health spend across England

14 May 2019
Two-fold difference in mental health spend across England
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, it has been revealed that there is nearly a two-fold difference in mental health spending across England.
Mind, the mental health charity, has analysed investment across 42 NHS regions and found that the differences in spend were significant and would affect the quality of care but, despite the variation, spending was still rising everywhere.
Surrey Heartlands was found to have spent the least - £124 per person last year - compared with South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, which spent more than £220.