LGiU response to proposed increase to social care precept
Lauren Lucas, Head of Projects, LGiU said:
“We all know there is an acute funding crisis in adult social care, but it’s worrying that Ministers are considering another council tax rise to cover the gap. This will not plug the hole.
Our annual State of Local Government Finance survey in February found that while almost all councils were planning to use the 2% precept to fund social care, three quarters said this will not be sufficient to close the funding gap.
Pointing the finger at hard-pressed local authorities is not good enough. Local councils can’t continue to carry the burden and the Government must bring forward national solutions to this national crisis in care. The care system is already teetering on the brink and we need to invest now to prevent catastrophic failure.”
Notes to editors
The LGiU and MJ conducted the survey from 14 January – 4 February 2016 and received 156 responses. The LGiU and MJ have jointly conducted the state of local government finance survey since 2012. The 2017 survey results will be released in mid February 2017.
- 88% say they are likely or very likely to take advantage of the 2% social care precept offered by the Government (Counties and Unitary Authorities only)
- 75% say the 2% social care precept will not relieve budget constraints in this department
About LGiU
The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) is a think tank and membership body with over 200 councils and other organisations subscribing to our networks. We work to strengthen local democracy and put citizens in control of their own lives, communities and local services. For more information, visitlgiu.org.
