Alzheimer's Society comment on the Autumn Statement

Alzheimer’s Society comment:

'The decision to cut local authority funding by two per cent in 2015 will have a devastating impact on a social care system which is breaking at the seams and crying for investment and reform.  Many people are already being forced to go without essential support and care they rely on to live well. We understand the need for austerity in combating the deficit, but with Britain’s ageing population, there will be over a million people with dementia by 2021. We can’t afford to continue to let down the most vulnerable in society.

The cuts announced today will increase pressure on the NHS, as more people in need of help and support will reach crisis point. We urge the government to reconsider these plans ahead of the spending review early next year. We also need to see early action to protect people with dementia from some of the catastrophic costs that they face. This requires caps on costs and also raising of the savings threshold.'

Jeremy Hughes
Chief Executive
Alzheimer’s Society