Ministers are being warned that the growing crisis in adult social care risks creating a “system for the rich” that leaves poorer communities unable to access essential help.
The multi-billion pound shortfall in funding faced by providers is seeing two care homes close for every new facility that opens. Evidence seen by the Observer suggests care homes already with a shortfall of beds are seeing more places disappearing, whilst new facilities are opening for those who can pay their own way.
Martin Green, chief executive of the social care trade body Care England, warned there was a real risk of a two-tier system emerging that would see the poorest suffer the most. “If you go to some places there are no new care homes being built and the stock available is running to the end of its life, or not fit for purpose,” he said.
Full story on The Guardian, 23 February 2020.