'Current model of social care unsustainable' - comment on Institute for Fiscal Studies report

The Health Foundation today commented on research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies which has found that one in ten councils have cut spending on adult social care by more than a quarter. The research was funded by the Health Foundation.

Anita Charlesworth, Director of Research and Economics at the Health Foundation, said:

'The current model of social care is unsustainable, which puts at risk the quality of life for thousands of older and vulnerable people, and places increasing pressure on the NHS.

‘The government has provided a short-term injection of cash which is welcome, but won't be enough to keep pace with the inevitable pressures that arise from an ageing population.

‘The promised Green Paper on the future of social care will have to wrestle with some incredibly tough choices - not least how much better off older people should contribute and whether it is reasonable to use housing assets to fund care.

‘What is clear is that a functioning social care system will need extra public funding, and this will need to be properly targeted at those with the greatest need.’

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