Underfunded Free Personal Care

The big surprise of Labour's September conference last year was the announcement that free personal care would be offered in England, similar to the service currently available in Scotland. A bill followed in the Queen's speech, and the measure is likely to come into force in the Autumn.

Less of a surprise was the survey last week polling 61 directors of Social Services who believe that the Government has significantly underestimated the cost of the scheme. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services agrees with the scheme but suggests the Government should have a funding rethink.

This service is currently provided on a means-tested basis with those who can afford to pay for help with eating, washing and dressing being asked to do so.

It is estimated that around 280,000 would benefit from the service from English councils and the Government estimates that people who fall into the critical bracket would need six and a half hours of care, whilst the survey indicated double that. Potentially councils could need to find around £500m a year in addition to the funding provided by the government.

The scheme is intended to reduce the number of people who are placed in residential care but there are fears that underfunding could result in local authorities encouraging people with assets to move into care homes where they will be self funded.

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