Big rise in demand for social care help

May 29 2008 by William Green, The Journal

NORTH East councils are facing tough decisions over spending as new figures reveal the spiraling demand for social services.

The number of working-age people – between 18 and 64 – receiving state- funded social care in the region has soared from 19,585 in 2000-01 to 34,000 in 2006-07, according to estimates produced by the Department of Health.

Durham has seen the biggest rise from 3,925 to 8,115 cases, while Northumberland’s tally increased from 3,470 to 4,565 over the same period.

Tyne and Wear councils also provided more people with social care, although the number in Newcastle dropped from 4,160 to 3,220 between 2000-01 and 2006-07.

Last night, the Association of North East Councils warned of growing pressure on resources because of a gap in funding from the Government.

A spokesman said ministers last year announced funding for the region’s town halls would rise by 3.4% for 2008-09 before dropping off over following years.

“Many North East unitary councils are facing yearly rises in costs of about 5-6% for adult social services and, when compared to the overall rise in grant allocated by the Government, this does cause a pressure on resources,” he said.

Councils were working hard to improve efficiency, but the spokesman added: “They may face tough decisions over the provision of services, as a result of last year’s settlement and rising above-inflationary cost pressures, such as adult social service provision.”

The developments come after Health Secretary Alan Johnson earlier this month called for radical change in social care amid warnings the English system is heading towards a £6bn funding gap within 20 years.

He highlighted the importance of people using new technology to help manage their own conditions when he launched a consultation on the future of social care.