Smarter spending would help to contain cost 'timebomb'

Counsel and Care want government and local councils to use social care funding more wisely to deliver better care for Britain's ageing population. Counsel and Care believes smarter spending could release up to 3 billion pounds that could be redirected to provide better care and support for the growing number of older people and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society comment:

'Action to address the current funding crisis is urgently needed and at the top of the agenda must be better spending on care for older people. Getting better at supporting people earlier can avoid costly hospital visits and can help carers carry on caring for people at home delaying or avoiding residential care. With the number of people with dementia set to reach a million in 15 years dementia has been described as a 'timebomb', but with proper planning and better use of resources the cost can be contained.'

Ruth Sutherland
Acting Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society