ADASS Spring Survey shows carers facing catastrophic impact from preventative care funding cutbacks

Responding to the ADASS Spring Survey, which shows councils are cutting back from preventative care, Dominic Carter, Carers Trust’s Director of Policy & Public Affairs, said:

“This vital ADASS report shows how Government underfunding of prevention and social care spending are having a catastrophic impact on millions of unpaid carers. Three-quarters of local authority directors have seen an increase in the number of unpaid carers asking their cash-strapped councils for support.

"With huge gaps in social care provision forcing people to look after friends and family at home, it’s no wonder so many directors report that more and more carers are breaking down. Carers have been warning about this for years and the survey shows a lack of access to support is the main contributing factor.

“While these carers struggle with ever more complex challenges, the local carer services they rely on are increasingly having to do more with less. Figures show their contracts are being being cut or frozen in value year after year, losing 13% in value in real terms since 2022. This is simply unsustainable.

"ADASS is right to call for a new deal for carers. Joined-up support for carers at a local level should be part and parcel of the Government’s ambitions for preventative health and care services that are personalised, smart and sustainable.”