Cutting spending will create looming bills – Alzheimer's Society

Research by the BBC has today unveiled a large variance in the amount councils are spending and planning to spend on Adult Social Care. The survey 'The Council Spending: Making it Clear' looked at planned expenditure of 76% of councils in England. Adult social care spending will fall by an estimated 4.7% to £3.4bn in the North in 2011/12 and rise by 2.7% to £3.33bn in the South. Some councils said the figures were "skewed" by grant allocation changes.

 Alzheimer's Society comment:

'These findings highlight an unacceptable postcode lottery of care. While some councils are recognising the dangers of not investing in adult social care, others are not. The consequences will be a huge bill when hundreds of thousands need crisis care later.'

'It is completely understandable that councils are feeling the pressure to make savings but, with the right investment and planning, smarter spending in Adult Social Care could save millions.  A more permanent solution to fix the broken funding system is needed. As the population ages the number of people with dementia will double and costs triple. We cannot afford to ignore this issue.'

Andrew Chidgey
Head of Policy and Public Affairs
Alzheimer's Society

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. By 2021 a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051 
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them 
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk