Social care finances

Winters are often difficult for the NHS and this year is likely to be no exception. Ahead of the Autumn Statement in November, Richard Murray looks at some of the tough decisions likely to face the NHS this year.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of the National Assistance Act, David Behan considers impact of Beveridge on the development of social care in the UK, and calls for a new social contract to meet the needs of the 21st century.

The Care Act 2014 created a solid legal framework for adult social care but it was let down by resourcing and leadership, says Peter Hay. It’s time to invigorate it.

As part of our series of blogs reflecting on 75 years of the social care system, Anne Pridmore reflects on the challenges and possibilities for disabled people who organise their own care.

The latest Social care 360 report highlighted key trends across the sector. Saoirse Mallorie shares three trends that shocked her, but could easily be overlooked.

Is the government backtracking on its commitments to solving the social care crisis? Sally Warren analyses how the latest announcement on social care reform plays out in reality.

The government’s announcement on adult social care in early April 2023 effectively brings to an end its ambition for wide-scale reform for the sector, says Simon Bottery.

Siva Anandaciva brings together the recent announcements on health and care spending from the Autumn Budget.

Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Siva Anandaciva explores what we can learn from the two rounds of £20 billion funding squeezes the NHS has faced since 2010.

Simon Bottery says the government should press on with plans for a cap on care costs because the reform is good for people who need care – and for the Prime Minister himself.

Pay is a key reason for the social care workforce crisis, says Simon Bottery. Nearly 400,000 careworkers would be financially better off working in supermarkets.

How well is the government’s reform programme tackling the eight key problems in adult social care? Simon Bottery marks the government’s score card and finds it wanting.

Sally Warren outlines the rationale behind the social care cap and explains why the government’s planned changes will have an unfair impact on those with lower assets.

Richard Murray has a sense of déjà vu as he writes his 2022 New Year blog. Covid-19 will bring challenges to implementing the many changes in store for the health and care system this year, but the biggest challenge is tackling the workforce shortage – a challenge the government has so far refused to face.

The government’s White Paper has done little to dispel concerns that reform of adult social care is faltering, says Simon Bottery.