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Local authorities have demanded an apology from the government for plans to impose fines for delayed discharge problems.

Alison King, chairperson of the Local Government Association's social affairs and health executive, described as a "spectacular own goal" the plan to fine councils if an older person is ready for discharge from hospital but no placement or support is available in the community.

"The sooner the government owns up to this whopping mistake the better for all of us," King said, adding that it would be a good example to set for a service constantly reminded how important it is to own up and say sorry when mistakes are made.


King said social services were lagging far behind the health sector in resources and were set to spend £1bn above the standard spending assessment.

"The demands on us need to be matched by resourcing," she told the conference. "Taking more money out of the system, or blaming one part of the system, will hardly help."