Briefings and responses

Local government in England is currently going through a process which will result in the largest reorganisation since 1974. The areas impacted are shown below, however, clearly several areas and councils have gone through similar reorganisation in the recent past. The purpose of this briefing is to summarise the lessons learnt that have been drawn to together in numerous reports and publication, which are referenced at the end of this document, but focus with a particular adult social care (ASC) lens.

This briefing pack is designed to provide a foundational understanding of adult social care - what it is, why it matters, and how it operates within the council. It explores questions and challenges in key areas in health and adult social care from a senior leadership perspective.

The Modern Service Framework for Dementia and Frailty intends to reduce unwarranted variation and narrow inequality for those living with dementia, and will set national standards for dementia care and redirect National Health Service priorities to provide the best possible care and support. The LGA stressed that it is essential that Modern Service Frameworks are developed in partnership with local authorities and reflect the role and responsibilities of councils in supporting people with mental health needs or dementia in the community.

There must be joint work with an incoming government to reform – in coproduction with people drawing on care and support – the approach to adult social care, and better joint working between the NHS and local government to support people.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the scope and effectiveness of section 75 arrangements. We have chosen not to answer all 30 specific questions included in the supporting document to the call for evidence. Instead, the high-level views of the LGA about the scope and effectiveness of section 75 financial flexibilities are summarised in paragraphs 5 – 19.

We strongly support a preventative, assets-based approach to health, which recognises that the essential components of good health go far beyond NHS treatment and care.  An assets-based approach supports repeople to make healthy choices and enables them to live healthy, independent and productive lives. If they have health and social care needs, our approach is to provide community-based and person-centred care and support which enables them to live independently and live their lives as they choose.

Loneliness is a problem for people of all ages throughout the life course. It does not just affect older people.

The LGA can see the potential benefits of the Care Workforce Pathway for adult social care but, in order to realise them, consideration must be given to the issues raised below. By working together to address these issues, we are hopeful that the pathway can be a success and deliver some of the changes that are needed to bolster this critical workforce.

The LGA has long highlighted that adult social care exists to enable adults of all ages and with a range of conditions to live their best life and an equal life.

While the LGA welcomes the money to pilot new approaches and build on existing good practice, we question whether the scale of the investment matches the scale of the ambition. Any positive outcomes emanating from the pilots must be given sustainable long-term funding.