Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Care, Carers and Older People, responding to the Local Government Association’s warning that council tax rises will not bring in enough money to cover the rising cost of social care, said:

“The Tories’ plan to fund social care has been found to be completely inadequate.

“The significant shortfall in social care funding is going to leave many local authorities unable to raise enough money from a two per cent council tax increase to cover rising costs, particularly in more deprived areas.

“The damaging cuts to social care under David Cameron’s government are one of the main reasons why the NHS is under so much pressure. £4.5 billion has been cut from social care budgets since 2010, leaving 300,000 fewer older people without the care and support they need to live at home independently.

“Ministers need to start listening to council leaders, including those from their own party, who are warning that care for older people is in crisis and in need of a better funding settlement.”