Care leaders have called for an annual £7 billion increase in social care funding as a starting point for reform while stressing that extra funding alone will not solve crisis in adult social care.

Care England has submitted evidence to the Housing, Communities and Local Government inquiry into the long-term funding of adult social care.

Care England argues that future strategies must adopt a holistic approach towards the long term development of adult social care including:

·         Outcome and evidence-based funding and provider models.

·         Commissioning.

·         Workforce development.

·         The impact of Covid-19 upon adult social care and England’s population.

Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said it is “now or never” for the government deliver on its promise of reform made at the last election.

“We hope that the Housing Communities and Local Government Select Committee’s second inquiry into the long-term funding of adult social care proves a catalyst in the Government implementing funding reform. The sector cannot wait.  Funding alone will not however remedy the dysfunctionalities which have emerged concerning adult social care funding. As we advance, we must seek to override those cultures and processes which mean care is often not commissioned at sufficient rates,” said Green.