Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Deferred
Prioritise agreement on adult social care funding structure, including a ring-fence for prevention.
Recommendation
We recommend that securing agreement on the funding structure must be the top priority for the Casey Commission and for any future Government reforms. Without this agreement, reform can only ever be piecemeal and short-term in outlook and, ultimately, will fail. We also recommend that any future funding structure includes a ring-fence for preventative work. (Recommendation, Paragraph 61) 54
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agrees reform is essential and supports the independent Casey Commission, but states Baroness Casey has autonomy to determine priorities and shape the commission's work, deflecting the recommendation to prioritize funding structure and ring-fence preventative work.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
Baroness Casey has full autonomy to determine the commission’s priorities within its remit as set out in the terms of reference. We know, however, that a reformed local government finance system and greater stability for local authorities are crucial to support the provision of high-quality adult social care. That is why the government is committed to pursuing a comprehensive set of reforms for public services to fix the foundations of local government. This will be done in partnership with the sector and on the principle of giving forward notice and certainty to allow time for councils to plan for the future. The government strongly agrees with the importance of prevention. Prevention is one of the 3 shifts in our health mission, and adult social care has an important role to play in that. The Care Act 2014 places a duty on local authorities to take steps to “prevent, reduce or delay” the need for care and support for all adults, including unpaid carers. When done well, these interventions enable people to remain independent in their communities for longer - reducing the need for more acute interventions, delaying or avoiding admission into residential care or hospital, and improving people’s quality of life. This can include strengths-based commissioning, access to high-quality information and respite services for carers. The voluntary and charitable sector can also play an important role in helping to meet people’s needs earlier and supporting wellbeing, including through community contacts, faith groups, networks and events.
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