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Social care revamp 'needed now' | Social care revamp 'needed now' |
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A review of the social care system in England has added weight to calls for an entire revamp of the system. | A review of the social care system in England has added weight to calls for an entire revamp of the system. |
The Commission for Social Care Inspection was asked by ministers to look into what has been dubbed the rationing of social services. | The Commission for Social Care Inspection was asked by ministers to look into what has been dubbed the rationing of social services. |
Councils are increasingly only offering support to those with the most acute needs. The watchdog said it was unfair and consistent standards were needed. | Councils are increasingly only offering support to those with the most acute needs. The watchdog said it was unfair and consistent standards were needed. |
Ministers will publish plans for social care reform early next year. | Ministers will publish plans for social care reform early next year. |
Public and professionals alike have been calling for this as the system in England is struggling to cope with the rising demand. | Public and professionals alike have been calling for this as the system in England is struggling to cope with the rising demand. |
This report confirms what we have known for some time â the social care system is confusing, scary and failing to meet people's needs Lizzie McLennan, of Help the Aged | This report confirms what we have known for some time â the social care system is confusing, scary and failing to meet people's needs Lizzie McLennan, of Help the Aged |
Councils have responded by starting to restrict access to services such as home care, day service and respite care. | Councils have responded by starting to restrict access to services such as home care, day service and respite care. |
On last count, two thirds of local authorities only offered this support to those with substantial needs, which includes people needing round-the-clock help. | On last count, two thirds of local authorities only offered this support to those with substantial needs, which includes people needing round-the-clock help. |
Experts predict that unless the system is changed or extra money pumped in no council will be helping out those with low or moderate level needs within a few years. | Experts predict that unless the system is changed or extra money pumped in no council will be helping out those with low or moderate level needs within a few years. |
The commission said the way councils were using eligibility criteria was "unfair" and "bewildering" to people, while at the same time pointing out funding was inadequate. | The commission said the way councils were using eligibility criteria was "unfair" and "bewildering" to people, while at the same time pointing out funding was inadequate. |
The report acknowledged the government was planning a revamp of social care and called for the future system to have clear and consistent processes. | The report acknowledged the government was planning a revamp of social care and called for the future system to have clear and consistent processes. |
Struggled | Struggled |
Guidelines do currently exist about the application of eligibility criteria, but these are voluntary. | Guidelines do currently exist about the application of eligibility criteria, but these are voluntary. |
The watchdog also said it was important people in need were given a thorough explanation of the social care system on first contact as many struggled to understand what support was available. | The watchdog also said it was important people in need were given a thorough explanation of the social care system on first contact as many struggled to understand what support was available. |
Commission chairman Dame Denise Platt said: "While most people accept that not everything can be provided by the state, they want a fairer and clearer system." | Commission chairman Dame Denise Platt said: "While most people accept that not everything can be provided by the state, they want a fairer and clearer system." |
Lizzie McLennan, of Help the Aged, added a revamp was urgently needed. | Lizzie McLennan, of Help the Aged, added a revamp was urgently needed. |
"This report confirms what we have known for some time â the social care system is confusing, scary and failing to meet people's needs." | "This report confirms what we have known for some time â the social care system is confusing, scary and failing to meet people's needs." |
The Department of Health is planning to publish a green paper on social care next year. | The Department of Health is planning to publish a green paper on social care next year. |
One of the systems understood to be under consideration is a form of co-payments whereby the state guarantees a minimum level of care which could then be topped up by the individual. | One of the systems understood to be under consideration is a form of co-payments whereby the state guarantees a minimum level of care which could then be topped up by the individual. |
Social services is currently means-tested in England, as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own system where personal care is free. | Social services is currently means-tested in England, as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland has its own system where personal care is free. |
Care services minister Phil Hope said: "This report makes a valuable contribution on how to make the system of social care funding fairer and more transparent." | Care services minister Phil Hope said: "This report makes a valuable contribution on how to make the system of social care funding fairer and more transparent." |
But Martin Green, chief executive of English Community Care Association, said: "We cannot wait for the green paper. | But Martin Green, chief executive of English Community Care Association, said: "We cannot wait for the green paper. |
"We need action now and if necessary some transitional approaches." | "We need action now and if necessary some transitional approaches." |