Alzheimer's Society response to the Comprehensive Spending Review Re: an extra £2 billion for social care by 2014

Published 20 October 2010

As part of his plans to save billions of pounds in public spending, Chancellor George Osborne has pledged to provide an extra £2 billion a year for social care by 2014.

He has also announced a 7.1% cut in local authority budgets. (£33.6 billion).

'We welcome the fact that the Chancellor has identified dementia as a priority within health research as this area is desperately underfunded. We are also pleased that the importance of social care has been acknowledged, with additional money being pledged.

'However, the cuts in local authority budgets mean there will still not be enough money, as the number of people with dementia and the cost continue to grow. This is likely to have a detrimental impact on the services that people with dementia and their carers receive.'

'In the current financial climate, dementia services are a key area where savings can be made. Tackling dementia will save on money, provide a better quality of life for people with the condition and avoid unnecessary cuts.'