Directors’ body to focus on funding

The implications of this year’s comprehensive spending review for adult social care are set to be a top priority for the new directors’ body for adult social services, which is officially launched next week.

John Dixon (pictured), vice-president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said the new organisation did not think that efficiency savings alone would provide enough money for social care. Councils will face a 3 per cent annual efficiency target throughout the spending review period, 2008-11.

“We are looking at the CSR and we are very anxious that there isn’t going to be the money coming in,” Dixon said.

He added that there were “massive financial pressures” on councils due to the ageing population and the high costs of services for people with learning difficulties.