by Richard Humphries
by Peter Beresford
by Simon Hengwrites Richard Humphries
The economic crisis should not be used as an excuse to do little to change our antiquated adult social care funding system
There is now almost universal consensus that the current system of social care funding is unsustainable and in urgent need of reform. Some positive steps have been taken: a major new drive to transform social care; new strategies for dementia and for carers; and a commitment to consult on options for reform of care and support.
Direct payment users treasure their relationships with their personal assistants, but can feel uncomfortable on pay day
By Simon Heng
by Andrew Holman
It was inevitable there were going to be inconsistencies. Decision making in social care has been increasingly devolved to local authorities over the past few years. This has been portrayed as a way of empowering local democracy and conveniently avoiding tedious questions about a lack of funding, by being able to say budget allocation and spending is all down to local decision makers. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that there are differences between areas. Indeed how could it be otherwise, this was surely to be expected?
by Allan Norman
The London Borough of Harrow is one of a handful of authorities that has decided to set its eligibility threshold for adult care services so high that only those needs banded as ‘critical’ are met. A group of its residents have just tested the lawfulness of its policy in the High Court, and the court’s ruling in the case Chavda & Ors, R (on the application of) v London Borough of Harrow [2007] EWHC 3064 (Admin) (20 December 2007) indicates that Harrow has nearly and possibly got away with it. For a legal analysis, see a companion post – this one is about social work!
by Anne Williams
As professionals we must take our lead from Sir Derek Wanless to make a stand for adult social care and enhance its status in 2008
