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The government’s plans to tackle delayed discharge of older people have been condemned by the Local Government Association as "costly, unworkable and based on a flawed analysis of the real problems", writes Clare Jerrom.

The government’s consultation document sets out its plans to import a model of charging from Sweden, which will force councils to pay for the costs of delays to discharging older people from hospital when suitable care cannot be found.

It has also expressed its intention to extend the plan to mental health patients, the LGA says.

In a formal response to the department of health, the LGA says there are hidden costs in the proposal, not fully scoped in the consultation document.

The LGA criticises the proposals for the false assumption that there is a lack of will or commitment from local councils to tackle the problem of delayed discharges.

It insists that "local councils are committed to overcoming the misery of delayed discharge, and to delivering the timely services that older people deserve".

Sir Jeremy Beecham, LGA chairperson, said: "The government is wrong to assert that the fault lies with councils’ lack of commitment.

"Local councils have been working successfully with health bodies in their local communities, not only to tackle delays in discharges, but also to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital and promote independence for older people."

Beecham said Sweden has the same level of delayed discharges as the UK even after implementing the model.

The LGA blames a lack of residential care and patients exercising choice for also causing delays.