Revamp 'urgent' for elderly care

Surrey has backed calls for a revamp of the adult care system

Surrey County Council has called for urgent action by the government to reform the current "flawed" system of social care for adults.

The council said it backed the Commission for Social Care Inspection, which published a report on Wednesday calling for a revamp of the system.

"Adult social care is one of the most vital issues on the public agenda," said councillor Sally Marks.

The government is to publish plans for social care reform early next year.

Ms Marks, the executive member for adults and community, said the problem was particularly severe in the county because it had a higher percentage of older people than the rest of the UK and long-life expectancy.

Half of Surrey's adult population is more than 50 years old, with the over-60 age group forecast to increase.

The county's over-85 age group has risen by more than 30% since 1991, with the age group projected to double between 2003 and 2029.

'Crippling combination'

The government commissioned the watchdog to look at what has been dubbed the rationing of social services.

Councils are increasingly only offering support to those with the most acute needs.

"Local authorities such as Surrey County Council are facing the crippling combination of an ageing population and growing need, restricted funding and rapidly rising inflation," said Ms Marks.

"In Surrey, the impact of meeting expected demographic and inflationary pressures is estimated at around £10m to £15m per year above current funding from the government over the next five years," she added.

The Department of Health is planning to publish a green paper on social care next year.

One of the systems understood to be under consideration is a form of co-payments whereby the state guarantees a minimum level of care which could then be topped up by the individual.

Care services minister Phil Hope said the commission's report was a valuable contribution on how to make the system of social care funding fairer and more transparent.