Cllr Mel Allcott has major concerns for both social care and the NHS following Chancellor of the Exchequer MP Rachel Reeves spending review.
As the newly elected Chair of Adult Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Panel, Mel is alarmed local government is having its funding cut by 1.4% during the period of the review.
Cllr Allcott said ‘Adult Services are 39% of the gross expenditure budget for the county council and councils have a statutory duty to provide social care. Cuts to government budgets already at breaking point are negligent and will leave a massive black hole.’
‘The Labour government had real opportunity to repair damage done by the Conservatives and deliver on a promise of change. Putting money into the NHS but not social care is a recipe for disaster.’
‘Health and Social Care Secretary MP Wes Streeting kicked the can down the road with an independent commission on social care, starting April this year, to end 3 years later in 2028. We need joined up thinking and action now on both and health and social care. Endless reviews have been undertaken but not taken on board.’
‘Only by working on health and social care together will we put an end to ambulance queues, corridor care and long appointment and treatment wait times.’
I’n my new role I will be doing all I can locally plus lobbying government nationally to fix social care.’
