‘Funding gap’ identified in plans for free home care

Social services directors have warned that the annual cost of implementing the Personal Care at Home bill could be £500 million more government figures currently show.  The results of a survey show that the weekly cost of providing personal care to a single person is around £200 – double the government’s estimate.  The original figures were based on a provision of 6.5 hours of care per week, but the Association of Directors of Social Services (Adass) considers that twice this amount is actually needed.  Although Adass is in favour of the Personal Care at Home Bill, it is calling for an urgent review of funding and has offered to work with the government to resolve the issue.  The new Bill aims to provide free home care to around 280,000 people, representing around half of the total number of people in England who need home help.

Tags: ADASS, Personal Care, Social Services