Council bosses want shift to prevention

The Local Government Association plans to launch a campaign on shifting resources from acute to preventive care within older people’s services in England.

A report to the LGA community well-being board meeting this week suggested launching the campaign in May or June.

The report said the basis for the campaign was the contradiction between the government’s promotion of prevention, notably through the health and social care white paper, and the fact that cash-strapped councils are having to restrict social care to those in acute need.

It would be preceded by opinion polls on the public’s attitudes to issues such as the cost of care and the  balance of responsibility between the state and the individual.

The LGA is also looking to involve a coalition of organisations in the campaign to strengthen its case.

● Report from www.lga.gov.uk