News http://www.wlga.gov.uk/news http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification mojoPortal Blog Module en-GB 120 no "Addressing health and social care challenges must be a shared endeavour" The WLGA's spokespersons for Health and Social Care have responded to a Welsh NHS Confederation report which highlights challenges faced in social care.

 

Councillor Llinos Medi (Anglesey) said: 

“As local government has long been clear, the hard-working social care sector urgently needs sustainable long-term support. Last year’s extra funding by Welsh Government was welcomed. But it is essential that budgets keep pace with rising demand and to meet increasingly complex needs. 

“Councils have been proactive in working to recruit and retain more staff. However there remains significant workforce challenges across the public sector, notably in the NHS where a lack of GPs, ambulance staff, nurses and doctors are also impeding its provision. 

“There is some way to go before social care staff have the same terms and conditions of employment as their NHS colleagues. This anomaly only adds to the challenge of recruitment and retention.  We are working closely with the NHS to address workforce challenges and making sure we use the capacity we do have to best effect.”

 

 Councillor Huw David OBE, (Bridgend) said:

“Also significant is the increased demand and pressures in Children’s Services. Severe difficulties in finding appropriate placements for those who need to be in care or safeguarded is also impacting budgets and the capacity of the workforce. The Cost-of-Living crisis is likely to only further fuel demand for support. 

“Local government is keen that we can focus on preventative and early intervention services, working closely with primary and community care services, to also hold off the need for emergency and crisis interventions.”

 

Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, (Conwy) said:

“Addressing the many systemic challenges in both the health and social care sectors must be a shared endeavour. Social care works closely at local and regional levels with the NHS to help tackle pressures in the system. It is disappointing that only NHS leaders were surveyed and that a ‘team approach’ was not undertaken to consult the entire system. 

“No part of the health and care system can resolve these issues alone. Local government will continue to work closely with Welsh Government, the NHS, and other partners with urgency and in earnest to resolve these issues.” 

 

-ENDS- 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/addressing-health-and-social-care-challenges-must-be-a-shared-endeavour http://www.wlga.gov.uk/addressing-health-and-social-care-challenges-must-be-a-shared-endeavour http://www.wlga.gov.uk/addressing-health-and-social-care-challenges-must-be-a-shared-endeavour Wed, 28 Sep 2022 11:05:00 GMT
WLGA welcomes Social Care Bonus The WLGA has welcomed the Welsh Government announcement to provide £96m to give an extra £1,000 payment for thousands of social care workers, aligned to the introduction of the real living wage.

 

Cllr Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Care and Health said:

 

“The social care workforce has been phenomenal throughout this period and so we welcome this additional payment which contributes towards acknowledging the tremendous effort, immeasurable contributions and sacrifices social care workers have made during extremely difficult times, recognising the invaluable care and support that social care workers provide to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

 

“Throughout the pandemic the social care system has been and continues to be under immense strain. The WLGA has long been calling for the need for extra funding for the social care sector in Wales in order to place it on a sustainable footing and we welcome the additional funding for social care in Welsh Government’s draft budget, including funding to pay social care workers the Real Living Wage. However, we know there remains significant challenges ahead. Local government remain committed to working with all partners to ensure that the social care system is an attractive career choice to individuals, where workers are valued, appropriately rewarded and have a pathway to career progression within a professionalised care sector.”

 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-social-care-bonus http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-social-care-bonus http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-social-care-bonus Mon, 14 Feb 2022 10:31:00 GMT
WLGA responds to Care Forum Wales criticisms The WLGA has defended councils and the dedicated social care workforce following Care Forum Wales’ insulting and unsubstantiated comments made in response to the Welsh Government’s welcome announcement of additional funding for social care.

 

Councillor Andrew Morgan (Rhondda Cynon Taf), WLGA Leader said:

“Hard working health and social care staff have been Wales’ heroes during the pandemic. These comments are as unfortunate as they are insulting to a workforce that has been stretched to breaking point. Partnership has been a key feature over the past 18 months, which makes these comments even more disappointing.

“As has become crystal clear to us all, dedicated care workers continue to go above and beyond to care for the most vulnerable in society, and will not be lectured to by faceless, profit-driven individuals.

“We will get through this crisis together and local councils will work with all their partners in health and the voluntary sector and committed, constructive partners in the independent sector.  We are also committed to working to help deliver Welsh Government’s ambition to rebalance the social care sector, deliver the Real Living Wage, remove profit motive from children’s services and focus on meeting the social care needs and improving the wellbeing of the vulnerable in our communities.”

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Carers’ Rights Day: WLGA thanks carers in an exceptionally challenging year “Our care system could not survive without the contribution of unpaid carers, who provide vital support for thousands of people every day.  On Carers’ Rights Day today, I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of local government to all carers across Wales for the care and support they provide to their loved ones, day in and day out.”

“The role of unpaid carers has always been integral, but the COVID crisis has highlighted that even more so. Today’s report provides further evidence of the critical role played by unpaid carers and the significant contribution that they make. The reality is that without carers, the independence and quality of life of many is diminished and the burden on our social services and NHS becomes even greater. Few jobs or roles are more important.”

“Local government fully understands this and by working together with partner organisations including health and Welsh Government we need to ensure that we identify the opportunities and financial resources for local government to enable us to make sure that carers have the recognition and support that they deserve.”

-ENDS-

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Further information on the research by Carers Wales is available here

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/carers-rights-day-wlga-thanks-carers-in-an-exceptionally-challenging-year http://www.wlga.gov.uk/carers-rights-day-wlga-thanks-carers-in-an-exceptionally-challenging-year http://www.wlga.gov.uk/carers-rights-day-wlga-thanks-carers-in-an-exceptionally-challenging-year Thu, 26 Nov 2020 15:55:00 GMT
Coronavirus Senedd social care report welcomed by local government Responding to the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee’s report on the coronavirus health and social care response so far, Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“The coronavirus has hit our social care sector like a tsunami. Our brilliant social care workforce has been on the frontline throughout the crisis in doing all they can to protect and care for our most vulnerable residents at such a critical time. It’s important that we all learn from the extraordinary experiences of the pandemic. Today’s report contains a number of recommendations for Welsh Government and we will work with the government and others to address key issues which we hope will support us all as we continue to respond to the pandemic and ease lockdown measures.

“Although it is clear we are now past the first peak of this virus, our elderly and most vulnerable people continue to be at risk. We must continue to work to make sure there is a reliable and sustainable supply of PPE available to all social care and health workers that need it, along with others, and that the testing regime remains a priority.”

“The impact of the virus, particularly on care homes, simply cannot be overstated. Local government is eager to work with other partners to ensure all care homes are appropriately supported where cases are reported, as well as being proactive in doing all we can to prevent the virus from entering care homes. The need to protect older and vulnerable residents in care homes will require concerted efforts and to be closely monitored at the local level. We are from being out of the woods, and we need to keep on guard to support our residents and minimise the impact of this devastating disease.

“Councils have worked quickly to introduce services, as well as keeping their usual functions running, to make sure that people are supported and that no-one is left behind.  Local government is working with Welsh Government to ensure that councils and social care services are sufficiently funded to maintain that support for the tough weeks and months ahead. It Is imperative that the necessary funding is provided by the UK Government to Wales through sustainable funding being provided to social care, as was highlighted recently by the Chief Executive of the NHS in England.

“Our incredible social care workers and NHS staff are on the frontline against this deadly disease. It is essential that they are properly valued and treated with the parity and respect that they so deserve.”

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-senedd-social-care-report-welcomed-by-local-government http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-senedd-social-care-report-welcomed-by-local-government http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-senedd-social-care-report-welcomed-by-local-government Thu, 09 Jul 2020 08:04:00 GMT
All partners have a part to play to secure financial sustainability of care sector, says WLGA Partners need to pull together to help secure the social care sector’s financial sustainability, according to council leaders in Wales.

Soaring demand and extra costs over a number of years have put social care services under enormous strain. The current coronavirus crisis has brought those pressures into sharp focus, as services have seen a rapid spike in demand and added costs.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“There is little doubt that social care services have faced and will continue to face enormous challenges over the coming years with increasing demand and expectations. Councils have consistently pressed for the need to ensure the financial sustainability of our vital social care services. We recognise that there are challenges across our system, which is why councils’ calls for support have been for the entire sector, including those in the private sector who deliver commissioned services on behalf of local authorities. It is only by working constructively in partnership across the sector, rather than playing one off against the other, that we can ensure that all those providing important services are supported and protected in the same way.”

“We all know how fragile the care sector is. Whilst austerity has had and continues to have a significant impact, we also need to consider the way in which our system operates. Research has shown the significant profits that some care home operators are making across the UK, with hundreds of millions of pounds going to offshore investors. Many of the firms that provide most of the UK’s 465,000 care home beds are owned or backed by hedge funds, while some of the biggest are based in overseas tax havens. The financial information relating to some of the larger for-profit chains is almost entirely hidden from view. This makes it almost impossible to account for where public money ends up.”

“There is a need to look at how our care home sector is structured to ensure transparency over profitability and costs, and to address fragility in the sector where needed. Councils continue to call on Welsh Government for increased and sustainable funding for social care, for meeting both increased demand for services and to ensure our workforce are more fairly paid, working with all partners in delivering the best for the citizens in our care.”

 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/all-partners-have-a-part-to-play-to-secure-financial-sustainability-of-care-sector http://www.wlga.gov.uk/all-partners-have-a-part-to-play-to-secure-financial-sustainability-of-care-sector http://www.wlga.gov.uk/all-partners-have-a-part-to-play-to-secure-financial-sustainability-of-care-sector Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:52:00 GMT
£500 extra payment to care staff welcomed by councils Responding to the First Minister’s confirmation that all staff working in care home settings will receive a £500 extra payment, Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Care and Health said:

 

“We are extremely pleased that Welsh Government has managed to find a way forward to give all workers in care home settings this recognition for their key role, that they continue to work with the UK Government and HMRC to try to ensure that every penny of the payment reaches people’s pockets.”

“Over the last few months, staff in care homes have shown the utmost dedication to work together as a team to give the best possible care to those who most need it. In addition to personal care workers, it is absolutely right that the extra payment is extended to all workers in care home settings, along with personal assistants and domiciliary care workers. At such a worrying time, and under very tough circumstances, they are doing all they can to wrap a comfort blanket of support and safety around the most vulnerable in our society. Their role will continue to be absolutely vital as the response efforts continue.”

 

-ENDS-

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS:  Please find more information here about the First Minister’s announcement of the extension of the extra payment: https://gov.wales/care-home-staff-receive-ps500-extra-payment

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/500-extra-payment-to-care-staff-welcomed-by-councils http://www.wlga.gov.uk/500-extra-payment-to-care-staff-welcomed-by-councils http://www.wlga.gov.uk/500-extra-payment-to-care-staff-welcomed-by-councils Fri, 05 Jun 2020 13:47:00 GMT
Coronavirus: Joint Statement by ADSS Cymru and WLGA The Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru (Wales) and the Welsh Local Government Association have praised the continued dedication and professionalism of social care workers caring for the most at-risk citizens; and are emphasising the need to ensure virus testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are issued to frontline care workers.

 

President of ADSS Cymru, Sue Cooper said:

“Our social care staff are working tirelessly to provide vital care and protection to thousands of citizens in Wales who are at greatest risk of being impacted by Covid-19, in extremely challenging and fast-changing circumstances and we commend their continued commitment.

“We want to assure all citizens who receive care and support – be it at home, or in residential settings – and the families and friends of those who are relying on our services, that we are doing all we can to keep people safe and well-cared for. We know that this is a troubling time for many families who cannot be together for protective reasons, and our staff are doing their utmost to ensure people receive the best care we can give.

“Across all local authorities, we have emergency management processes in place and are working together with other services, including health and housing, to plan mitigating actions to overcome the challenges our services are facing.

“Nonetheless, it is vital that our frontline staff do receive testing, in the same way that healthcare staff are being tested, to enable them to carry on providing services. It is also essential that they have access to personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure we can continue to deliver services safely, to keep people safe and well in our communities and reduce the impact as much as we can on frontline NHS services. We therefore strongly urge that virus testing and provision of PPE is extended to frontline social care staff.”

 

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“We know many people will be feeling concerned at the moment. Councils are working hard alongside partners in the public, third and private sectors to maintain social care services for those who need them. Demand on these services will rapidly increase as they will be used more and more to ease the pressure on the NHS in responding to the outbreak. If there are any former social care staff who would be willing to return to work to help in these efforts, I would appeal to them to get in touch with their local authority.

“Social care staff are undertaking a critical role at this time, like others in the health and care sector. They are keeping older people and children and young people safe, and providing a range of care and support to others, and I would like to thank them for the work that they have done and will be doing. We need to ensure that they are safe and well enough to work, which means they need to be able to protect themselves with personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate. We are calling for an extension of the testing regime as soon as possible to include social care staff so that people who are well enough to work can do so.”

 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga http://www.wlga.gov.uk/coronavirus-joint-statement-by-adss-cymru-and-wlga Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:30:00 GMT
Working together "crucial" to prepare for Brexit outcome Combining efforts across the social care and health sectors is crucial to overcome the potential disruption caused by Brexit, the WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care has said today.

Speaking at a special conference to support the Welsh social care sector prepare for Brexit, Councillor Huw David stressed how all partners will have a key role to play to mitigate Brexit impacts for people who rely on health and social care services.

Jointly organised by WLGA, Welsh Government, The Association of Directors for Social Services Cymru (ADSS), Care Forum Wales, Social Care Wales and the Welsh NHS Confederation, the conference brought together practitioners, councillors and key stakeholders to discuss the potential impact of Brexit on the social care and health sector, the on-going work to prepare, and the further actions required.

The event is part of the WLGA’s Brexit transition Support Programme, funded by the Welsh Government.

The conference provided an opportunity for some key updates, with ADSS Cymru and Social Care Wales presenting the highly anticipated findings of research into the composition of the social care and childcare workforce in Wales, and the Home Office updating on the EU Settled Status Scheme and its expectations of social services.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“It is clear that leaving the EU has the potential to cause disruption to the delivery of health and social services, as it will impact statutory duties, the workforce and supply lines. A disorderly no-deal Brexit would only further exacerbate the situation and the concerns of residents in receipt of social care.

“I am so pleased to see so many representatives from local authorities, our key partners and practitioners coming together at this event to discuss how we can all contribute to mitigate some of the potential impacts of Brexit. The period ahead undoubtedly poses many challenges to the delivery of health and social care; working together will be crucial to overcome the difficulties and to maintain the provision of highquality care expected by residents.”

 

Vaughan Gething AM, Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Services said:

“Maintaining high-quality health and social care is my top priority in preparing for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit. Given the continued lack of clarity from the UK government regarding our future relationship with the EU, we must continue to prepare our public services for all eventualities. That is why it is so vital that health and social care leaders have come together today to assess and address the challenges we may face and how we can collectively work together to mitigate their impact.”

 

Vanessa Young, Director the Welsh NHS Confederation said:

“Health and social care leaders have been working closely with the Welsh Government to prepare for a no deal Brexit scenario. Our priority is to protect patients and clients and maintain high quality services.  Through UK, national and local plans we are putting in place arrangements to ensure the continuity of supply of medicines, clinical consumables used by the health and social care sector.  

Longer term our priority is to ensure that we can work with partners to make the best of the final Brexit outcome while ensuring that we can continue to recruit and retain EU nationals across our health and care system.”

 

ADSS Cymru Lead Director for Workforce, Jonathan Griffiths said:

“As the national leadership organisation for social services in Wales, we welcome the Welsh Government’s commissioning of Ipsos Mori to understand the impact of Brexit, in whatever form it takes, on the social care workforce in Wales.

“While we anticipate that there will be some limited impact, with the employment of EU nationals in our sector, it’s just one element of the wider challenges of workforce recruitment and retention that all public stakeholders are grappling with.

“The current development of a national workforce strategy for health and social care will go a significant way in mitigating the many variable pressures on the sector, to ensure Wales has a resilient, healthy and well-trained workforce in the future.”

 

Sue Evans, Chief Executive of Social Care Wales, said:

“We are currently working with the Welsh Government and other partners to better understand the impact of Brexit. Social care in Wales faces recruitment and retention challenges, and this may become more challenging if EU workers are not able or choose not to stay and work in Wales.

“Health and social care organisations are developing joint recruitment plans to reduce the impact of Brexit, and we are currently working with regional bodies to lead a national attraction, recruitment and retention campaign. We are hoping these activities will reduce the risk of further workforce challenges to ensure those who need care and support can rely on a consistent response across Wales.” 

-ENDS-


Notes to editors

The event ‘Brexit and Social Care’ takes place on Thursday 14th February, at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells. Around 80 delegates are expected to attend. More information and the programme available here.

The event is funded under the WLGA’s Brexit Transition Support Programme

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Welsh Government funding to support Welsh Indpendent Living Grant Responding to Welsh Government’s announcement, Cllr Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Services and Health said:

“In a time of austerity, any additional funding for social care is to be welcomed and I am pleased to see a commitment of extra investment from Welsh Government that will help to ensure the needs of former WILG recipients are fully met.

“Local authorities will continue to work with Welsh Government to address any concerns about the delivery of the WILG, which has been undertaken by councils in line with Welsh Government guidance.

 “Local authorities are committed to doing all they can to support disabled people to live as independently as possible. We will work with Welsh Government to ensure those who may have been adversely affected can access an independent assessment as quickly as possible.”

 

Cllr Debbie Wilcox (Newport), WLGA Leader also commented:

“Local authorities offer a range of key services which help support disabled people live independent lives and which promote their wellbeing.  We are committed to working in partnership with Welsh Government to look again at the Grant to see how to best deliver to recipients.

“Situations such as these arise when UK Government responsibilities are devolved without the requisite funding to implement the same scheme as has been operating. As a result, residents often have the same expectations but without the same level of funding as before.

“Local authorities, working with Welsh Government, often have to develop new schemes to take account of the funding available. It is important that any future devolved responsibilities are fully funded so that we are not left in a position to implement ‘cut price’ services when residents’ expectations remain unchanged.”

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/welsh-government-funding-to-support-welsh-indpendent-living-grant http://www.wlga.gov.uk/welsh-government-funding-to-support-welsh-indpendent-living-grant http://www.wlga.gov.uk/welsh-government-funding-to-support-welsh-indpendent-living-grant Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:03:00 GMT
More support from local services essential to help prevent carers being pushed to breaking point More investment in local services is essential to help unpaid carers being pushed to breaking point amidst a surge in demand for care services and support, the WLGA has said today.

A recent survey by Carers Wales shows that increasing demand for care and support, as well as rising costs in providing services, is placing growing pressures on carers and families who look after and care for loved ones and can have a detrimental impact on their health and wellbeing.

Across Wales, there are approximately 370,000 unpaid carers who provide support worth an estimated £8.1 billion per year. Many carers though struggle to maintain their own health and wellbeing while caring for others, and can find it difficult to access practical help and support that is needed in supporting them in managing their caring responsibilities, placing them at increasing risk of needing care and support themselves.

Responses to the Carers Wales’ State of Caring survey showed that:

  • 75% of carers in Wales have suffered mental ill health such as stress or depression
  • 61% reported a decline in their physical health as a result of their caring role
  • 46% of carers anticipate their quality of life will get worse in the next 12 months

In addition, over a third of carers (34%) report ‘struggling to make ends meet’, with many carers having to cut back on hobbies, leisure activities and seeing friends and family.

The impact of austerity on council services is recognised by carers, with over a quarter (27%) of carers identifying that they were worried the support they currently receive might be reduced, while almost two thirds (65%) said that they do not know what might happen with the support they currently receive.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

 

“Local government provides more than 700 local services, a significant proportion of which help improve wellbeing and tackle the social determinants of health. This includes housing, employment, welfare, leisure and transport and all these services help support the health and wellbeing of carers. However, over the last eight years, councils’ core budgets have been significantly reduced, by 22%, and this has inevitably impacted on the availability of local services.”

“If carers are not appropriately supported it can lead to increased social isolation and add to pressures on both the carer’s finances and their health and wellbeing. It is clear that we must do more towards tackling the inequalities that are experienced by carers, while supporting the whole population with their health and social care needs.

“There is a clear case here around the need to invest in the early intervention and prevention services that are of benefit to carers. We welcome Welsh Government’s recent announcement that £15m of the £30m provided to Regional Partnership Boards in the draft budget will be targeted towards both carers and those with care and support needs. It is vital that there is increased investment in local council services from this funding to enable them to continue to provide the vital support local services needed - many of which support those providing unpaid care.”

 

Councillor Susan Elsmore (Cardiff), WLGA Deputy Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“The reality is that without carers, the independence and quality of life of many is diminished and the burden on our social services and national health service becomes even greater. Few jobs or roles are more important.

“Councils’ ability to continue to provide the support that is essential to carers’ well-being is being undermined by continued cuts to council budgets which threaten local services that improve people’s lives and their communities, including services vital to supporting carers.”

“By working together with partner organisations including health, Welsh Government and Carers Wales, and most importantly with carers we need to ensure that we make best use of all opportunities and financial resources - which Welsh Government’s recent announcement of £15m contributes towards - for achieving a shared ambition to make sure that carers have the recognition of being respected and valued and the support that they need.”

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/more-support-from-local-services-essential-to-help-prevent-carers-being-pushed-to-breaking-point http://www.wlga.gov.uk/more-support-from-local-services-essential-to-help-prevent-carers-being-pushed-to-breaking-point http://www.wlga.gov.uk/more-support-from-local-services-essential-to-help-prevent-carers-being-pushed-to-breaking-point Wed, 05 Dec 2018 10:33:00 GMT
Working together to improve outcomes for children At a conference hosted by Welsh Government in Llandrindod Wells today based on ‘Improving Outcomes for Children’, professionals within children’s social care came together to discuss the range of challenges facing the sector.

 

Attending the conference, WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Councillor Huw David (Bridgend) said:

 “For all stakeholders involved in social care in Wales, today’s conference was yet another reminder of the myriad financial and demographic challenges facing the sector. This is why the WLGA earlier this week fully welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Children of an extra £15m which will help keep children in Wales from needing to go into care.

"WLGA has been fully consulted on this issue by the Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies. We are pleased that he has recognised the call by WLGA for a local government preventative services fund stemming from the £30m allocation to Regional Partnership boards.”

“The pressure on looked after children budgets are intense and costs rising exponentially. There are large overspends in the system currently as more children fall into the category of being looked after. Preventing children, especially those with adverse childhood experiences, entering the system is a core objective of councils. This funding will help in developing long-term programmes that will protect and care for all children and young people, but especially those that are vulnerable.”

"Under Section 76 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act, a child may in some cases need the local authority to provide them with accommodation because there is no one who has parental responsibility for them, or in cases where they are lost or abandoned, or circumstances prevent them from receiving care and accommodation from a parent or person with parental responsibility. This is a key duty of care that councils have to protect and safeguard children.

"Only last week, the Children’s Commissioner for Wales Sally Holland said the current provision for secure homes was inadequate and new therapeutic residential services for children and young people were urgently needed in Wales. WLGA endorses this view and hope that we will be undertaking further work with Welsh Government to address this urgent need."

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-together-to-improve-outcomes-for-children http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-together-to-improve-outcomes-for-children http://www.wlga.gov.uk/working-together-to-improve-outcomes-for-children Thu, 15 Nov 2018 17:33:00 GMT
‘Prevention is always better than a cure’- WLGA and ADSS call for preventative services funding in Draft Budget Ahead of Welsh Government’s budget due to be published on Tuesday 2nd October 2018, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru (ADSSC) are urging the government to ensure appropriate funding to ensure the social care needs of vulnerable and older people are met.

A publication released jointly today by WLGA and ADSSC highlights the significant pressures being faced by adult social services across Wales as a result of continual cuts over 10 years of austerity. The statement shows that the number of people in need of adult social care is set to rise 56% by 2035, and that 75% of carers in Wales are worried about the impact of caring on their own health over the next year.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“This publication today highlights the essential work that social services and social care staff undertake for some of the most vulnerable adults in our society.  It is clear that the pressures and demands on them are increasing with 210 assessments for care and support being carried out every day. Our health and social care systems are under strain like never before, and it is everyday committed social care workers who are left to carry the heavy workload.”

“At a meeting of council leaders last Friday, members gave a clear message: councils have done all they can to protect social care over a decade of cuts which has seen local government lose over £1bn in funding. But they simply cannot carry on handing down cuts to the very people who are in most need of support. Unless there is significant investment in social care, alongside any additional investment in health services, we will not see the benefit of improved services to those who need care and support and pressure will continue to grow on health services too.”

“We all know that prevention and early intervention with people will stave away more costly and complex interventions further down the line, and we are working towards creating a more preventative service.  However, we do not have the resource to make such a significant shift when the number of people who rely on these services keeps rising, coupled with the costs of delivering appropriate care; the only solution at this crucial time is more investment - particularly for preventative services.”   

“Let’s not forget that adult social care is also a contributor to the economy with £2.2bn contributed to the Welsh economy in 2016, including the impact on suppliers and the money spent by all employees[ii].”

“We support the Minister for Older People and Children, Huw Irranca-Davies when he recently said that ‘the way we are for each other can define us as a nation’. We have had many discussions with both the Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and I know they are both fully committed to securing the best health and social care services possible for Welsh citizens.  That commitment now needs to be reflected in urgent additional investment now while we also discuss how by working together, and be engaging with the public, we can develop a long-term sustainable solution to the funding of social care.” 

 

Jenny Williams, President for ADSS Cymru said,

“I welcome the publication of this position statement today highlighting the considerable financial pressures and demand for services for our most vulnerable in our communities. As we highlighted for children, in order to continue to deliver good quality and safe services we desperately need investment in a timely way.

“Despite this we can and will continue to develop a range of services that are efficient and transformational as we have demonstrated over recent years. However now is the time for a realistic settlement that reflects the real pressures across councils in Wales as illustrated in the statement.”

“Social Care has such a positive contribution to make, however services are under considerable strain owing to insufficient funding. We will continue to work with the Welsh Local Government Association in the coming months at this crucial time to highlight the valuable contribution social care makes and the funding required to provide the necessary sustainability for the future.”

 

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-and-adss-call-for-preventative-services-funding-in-draft-budget http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-and-adss-call-for-preventative-services-funding-in-draft-budget http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-and-adss-call-for-preventative-services-funding-in-draft-budget Mon, 01 Oct 2018 16:17:00 GMT
Children's Services in Wales at 'breaking point’ and need urgent investment As Assembly Members return from their summer recess ready to scrutinise the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget for the next fiscal year, a stark warning has been made to them by local government social care professionals, in a bid to highlight the immense and on-going pressures that exists in Children’s Services right across Wales.

The Association of Directors of Social Service in Wales (ADSS Cymru) and the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) have published a joint-position statement on the condition of Children’s Services within Welsh local authorities, showing that the sector is at ‘breaking point’ and is struggling to cope with the challenges of increased demand and complexity of cases being presented to councils daily.

The statement asserts that nearly 16,000 children received care and support from local authorities in Wales last year (2017-18), with just under 6,000 children being ‘looked after’ by local authorities, a figure that has increased by nearly a quarter over 10 years. It goes on to say that while over the same period, councils’ expenditure on Children’s Services has increased to meet the increasing demand, with a real term increase of 30% spend on Looked After Children’s Services, local authorities core grant funding has reducing by 22% after inflation.

As Councils have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the well-being of looked after children, the increasing financial commitment means it leaves elected members not only with very little money to invest in early intervention services but it also means that there are challenging choices to be taken elsewhere, particularly with non-statutory services like economic development, youth services, leisure and tourism; a situation which the two organisations believe is simply unsustainable.

They are appealing to AMs to back their call to close the current funding gap that exists in social care budgets and put pressure on the Welsh Government to invest more money into Children’s Services right across Wales.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, said:

"Looked after children rates in Wales have increased by 15% since 2010, during which time councils’ real funding has reduced by 22%. Whilst local government has and always provide as much resource and protection as possible to deliver vital services to safeguard and support children and their families, in the face of continuing cuts and increasing demand we will struggle to do so in the future."

"The challenges are not unique to Wales, with record numbers of children taken into care being seen all across the UK, but it all points to the need to take a preventative approach to improving children's outcomes."

“As Welsh Government consider their plans for next year’s budget it is vital that real additional funding is provided to local government to meet the growing funding gap being seen across councils and within social care, otherwise our vital services will continue to be at considerable risk and will not be sustainable in the longer term.”

“This position statement highlights the record pressures and huge challenges affecting our Children’s Services and sets out the key areas where increased funding is essential to ensure that we can do our very best for the most vulnerable children in society."

 

The WLGA and ADSS Cymru are also asking AMs to use new consequential funding earmarked for Wales to be ring-fenced, so that a new Preventative Care Fund for Wales can be established.

They believe such a fund would enable new investment to take place in valuable preventative services, which would start to take the strain of some of the day-to-day services in the current system and allow any realised savings to be reinvested back into the system.

 

Sally Jenkins, who is the Chair of ADSS Cymru’s All Wales Heads of Children’s Services, added:

“Social services across Wales have a proud record of providing care and help to the most vulnerable children in our society, and we need to see the commitment of the Welsh Government in the next budget to sustaining these services.”

“Those children who become looked after are the tragic product of a range of economic, family and community factors that all too often result in children becoming at risk of harm.

“Social services cannot deal with this on its own. As the Assembly and our government head towards their 20th anniversary, I want them to commit to better resources and tackling the root causes, to intervene earlier and to provide better outcomes for those we need to support.”

 

ENDS

For

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/childrens-services-in-wales-at-breaking-point-and-need-urgent-investment http://www.wlga.gov.uk/childrens-services-in-wales-at-breaking-point-and-need-urgent-investment http://www.wlga.gov.uk/childrens-services-in-wales-at-breaking-point-and-need-urgent-investment Mon, 17 Sep 2018 13:36:00 GMT
£344m needed for social care by 2021-22 Current funding arrangements from Welsh Government will not cover the expected increases in cost and demand facing social care, the Welsh Local Government Association warns today.

A joint report by WLGA and ADSS to the National Assembly for Wales’ Finance Committee estimates that next year’s additional pressure of £99m in social services will become £344m by 2021-22, due to unavoidable direct and indirect increasing workforce costs coupled by an ageing population in need of social services.

Population projections estimate that by 2035, the number of people aged over 65 in Wales will increase by 33%, with the number of those over 85 set to rise 107% according to the Institute of Public Care’s Daffodil system.

 

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Care said:

“Whilst we are grateful to Welsh Government for their recent £10m funding to deal with winter pressures in social care, it is clear that one-off boosts are not enough to cover increasing financial pressures let alone significantly increased demand and cost pressures in future.”

“As our ageing population increases, so too does the demand on social care services. Whether it be home adaptations, occupational therapy, financial support, residential or home care or much more besides, these are services that make a real and significant difference to people’s daily lives.”

“Given the scale of the challenges, radical long-term solutions are urgently required. Now is the time to have a real debate about fundamental changes to social care funding, and to do away with the short-term sticking plaster approach that is no longer fit for purpose.”

 

-ENDS-

 

Notes for Editors

  • WLGA and ADSS joint evidence submission to the Finance Committee’s ‘The Cost of caring for an ageing population’ inquiry can be found here: http://www.wlga.wales/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=62&mid=665&fileid=1432
  • Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care and Councillor Susan Elsmore (Cardiff), WLGA Deputy Spokesperson for Health and Social Care (Adults) will be giving evidence to the Finance Committee in a meeting in the National Assembly on Thursday 19 April.
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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/344m-needed-for-social-care-by-2021-22 http://www.wlga.gov.uk/344m-needed-for-social-care-by-2021-22 http://www.wlga.gov.uk/344m-needed-for-social-care-by-2021-22 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 08:50:00 GMT
WLGA responds to £163m health boards overspend Responding to Welsh health boards’ combined overspend of £163m at the end of this financial year Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Social Care said:

“The NHS is rightly incredibly valued by everyone in Wales, and is an institution that needs to be protected. However, the projected overspend this year by a number of the health boards is clear evidence that current funding arrangements for health and management of resources are not working as they should.

“Medical professionals have long stated that the real problem in hospitals is delays in transfer of care, which prevent acute beds from being made available for hospital admissions and treatment. If further investment in preventative services was forthcoming from government, councils would be able to adequately fund adult social care and other support services to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to deal with the demand on such services as elderly patients in particular leave hospital.

“Whilst we are grateful to Welsh Government for their recent £10m funding to deal with winter pressures in social care, it is clear that such one-off boosts are nowhere near enough to cover financial pressures. Estimates show that social care will face an additional £99m in pressures this year alone just to keep up with the demand of an ageing population needing additional support. If social care were to receive the extra long-term investment that it so sorely needs, it would help to ease the burden on the health boards by reducing delayed transfers of care and freeing up beds for hospital care.”

“Councils are proud to be working in partnership with the health boards and are keen to see the NHS thriving. We all need to ensure investment is made wisely.  If we are to future-proof the NHS, it is vital that adult social care is recognised as a key partner in its success and that it receives the recognition and appropriate funding that it deserves.”

 

 -Ends-

Notes for Editors

Additional £99m pressure for social care in 2018-19 is referred to in a joint ADSS and WLGA report to the National Assembly’s ‘Cost of Caring for an Ageing Population Inquiry’: http://www.wlga.wales/SharedFiles/Download.aspx?pageid=62&mid=665&fileid=1432

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-responds-to-163m-health-boards-overspend http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-responds-to-163m-health-boards-overspend http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-responds-to-163m-health-boards-overspend Tue, 03 Apr 2018 10:29:00 GMT
WLGA welcomes Parliamentary Review report on health and social care WLGA welcomes the publication of the Parliamentary Review Report on health and social care. The review has taken a whole systems approach to assessing how health and social care systems might deliver improved health and well-being outcomes for people across Wales, reduce inequalities, and best enable the health and social care system to be sustainable over the next five to ten years and has recommended some clear actions required to achieve this vision.

Local Government welcomed the announcement of the Review as an opportunity to examine the long term future of health and social care, investigating how we can and must create a sustainable and properly funded health and social care system that is seamless and puts the needs of citizens at the centre. This will be central to developing a new approach in Wales that is fit for future generations.

The Review sets out the case that the current form of Wales’ health and care system needs to fundamentally change, with a need to revolutionise care so that it empowers individuals to take decisions, tailors care to the individual’s expressed needs and preferences, is far more proactive and preventative, is provided as close as possible to people’s homes, is seamless, and is of the highest quality.

 

Responding to the review Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“There is little doubt that health and social care services have faced and will continue to face enormous challenges over the coming years with increasing demand and expectations. We have the opportunity in Wales and a duty to create a sustainable health and social care system that the Welsh population needs and deserves and this report provides us with a renewed urgency for discussion and the framework within which vital decisions for the future of our health and social care system need to be taken. The current system was designed nearly eighty years ago when life in Wales and the rest of the UK was very different than it is today. There is a real need to shift, at pace, the health and social care system in Wales away from treatment to an integrated system based on prevention and early intervention as set out in the report.”

“However, one immediate challenge is the need for appropriate levels of funding and a long-term funding model to support the health and social care system outlined in the report.  The reality is that without adequate funding and new investment for health and social care in the future, the changes outlined in the report will not be enough to ensure a sustainable health and care system.  Bold leadership is required at all levels and I am confident local government will play its part in leading and implementing the necessary changes.”

 

Councillor Susan Elsmore (Cardiff), WLGA Deputy Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“Across the UK the current system is being challenged in the face of growth in the population as a whole and increasing numbers of older people with long term and complex illnesses and medical advances which keep people alive for longer. Taken together the demographics alone risk overwhelming health and social care."

“The case for change outlined by the Review is compelling with a need for a bold and unified vision for the whole health and social care system. The report is clear that to achieve better health and well-being for the people of Wales, stronger national direction is needed to speed up how the health and social care system adapts to the changing needs of the population and major challenges. An effectively integrated health and care system requires the levers and incentives for change to be aligned and to be acting in synergy across the whole health and social care system. However, the grinding impact of austerity has meant that tackling these problems through reform until now has been largely set within the search for greater value for money and smarter investment decisions. It is essential that we now take the findings from the review and with all key partners working together look at how best we can achieve the vision and the keys aims as set out“.

 

Councillor Geraint Hopkins (Rhondda Cynon Taf), Deputy Spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:

“The demographic changes being seen in Wales and outlined in the Review’s report are significant. To respond to their impact, some stark choices need to be made and implemented. The challenge is such that there is simply no room to delay or obviate.  While much of the Report focuses on the system as it affects adults and in particular older people, it is important that the health and social care services provided for children and young people are also addressed in any programme of transformation that is taken forward.”

“We have seen similar reviews in the past which have failed to make a comprehensive transition from the page to the clinical setting. Within a context of continuing austerity, in order to make the Review’s recommendations meaningful, manageable and implementable over a reasonable timescale there is a need for cross-party working to deliver the recommendations of the report, with a commitment from Welsh Government to invest the resources required into both health and social care as equal partners.”

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http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-parliamentary-review-report-on-health-and-social-care http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-parliamentary-review-report-on-health-and-social-care http://www.wlga.gov.uk/wlga-welcomes-parliamentary-review-report-on-health-and-social-care Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:22:00 GMT