Labour: "Thousands" could lose care this year if Government breaks funding promise

Labour claim adult services could be cut

New analysis by the Labour party suggests key frontline services including adult social care could be cut if the Government back-tracks on their pledge to support councils in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.

Local authorities are the largest funder of adult social care in England. But Labour say they could now face a £10bn Coronavirus black hole, forcing cuts across the board, including a £3.5bn cut to adult social care this year.

A gap in funding could result in the equivalent of 225,000 adult social care places severely reduced or gone altogether.  The analysis also suggests that other key services would be at risk if the Government fails to plug the funding gap, including libraries, children’s centres, leisure centres, public parks, road safety, road gritting and street lighting.

Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Sean Fielding, said “People in Oldham will find these figures terrifying. Everyone in this community knows the sacrifice and the loss we have endured through the coronavirus crisis, and we all know the enormous strain on our carers, and our friends and family who rely on their care. It is beyond belief that the government is not standing by them in their hour of need."

Shadow Communities and Local Government secretary Steve Reed MP said: "When the Government promised to stand behind councils through this crisis Labour supported them.

"But now Ministers are breaking that promise, leaving councils with a £10bn black hole forcing 21% cuts across the board. Unless the Government drops those plans the frontline heroes we’re cheering today will lose their jobs tomorrow and the equivalent of 225,000 frail and frightened older people and vulnerable adults will lose the support they rely on.

"This government promised to do whatever it takes – if our loved ones see care taken away in their hour of need it will be devastating and unacceptable. The Government should change course, now.”

The Labour analysis is based on 2019/20 budget estimates, local authorities’ Coronavirus-related costs and revenue losses, and adult social care budget data from the Kings Fund and Department for Health and Social Care.

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