Adass spring seminar round-up

Association of Directors of Adult Social Services held its spring seminar last week. Daniel Lombard reports from the seminar

The personalisation reforms could leave vulnerable adults at greater risk of abuse, Commission for Social Care Inspection chief Paul Snell told directors. Snell urged councils to step up safeguarding efforts when personalised budget schemes are rolled out over the next three years.

End to ring-fencing ‘poses a threat to care budgets’

The devolution of spending powers to local authorities could lead to the raiding of social care budgets by other services, directors warned. The government’s removal of ring-fencing for £5bn of specific grants, which comes into effect in England this year, is designed to promote greater freedom and flexibility at local level.

Prevention key to cutting service demand

Future funding for adult social care could be subject to the introduction of value-for-money performance indicators, the strategic finance director for social care at the Department of Health told delegates.