London Councils warns of massive adults’ services bill

The total cost of adult community care in London is expected to hit £3bn by 2010, placing councils under “intense” fiancial pressure, according to a report today.

Councils warn the situation could worsen if primary care trusts shunt healthcare costs on to them to reduce NHS budget deficits, while social services departments face an average budget deficit of 5.7 per cent, the report said.

The report by RSe Consulting, commissioned by London Councils, previously the Association of London Government, said that the total cost of care would increase by £147m a year across London by between now and 2010-11.

Stephen Carr, London Council’s executive member for health and adult services, said: “It is vital that the government takes note of the funding problems faced by the capital’s local authorities and ensures Londoners get a fair deal from this year’s comprehensive spending review.”