Warrington Borough Council launches social care debate

The debate led by Warrington Borough Council, will look for residents views on how social care needs to change to help more people live independent lives in their own homes.

Joe Blott, executive director for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “The amount of central funding for social care is being reduced at the same time as demand for these critical services is increasing.

“We forecast that over the next two years, there will be a 13 per cent increase in the number of older people living in Warrington, and by 2030, the over-80s population will have doubled.

“And the way in which people are choosing to access social care services is changing as we try to give people greater choice over the kind of services they can purchase.

“We need to consider the best ways to use a smaller budget, which will allow us to continue to support all service users with a high quality of care, but prioritise limited resources so that people with the greatest needs receive the most help.”

The consultation is aimed at service users, their carers and families, partner agencies, care providers and representative groups.

It will look at the level at which funding for help is offered to residents as it examines whether to fund only those with ‘substantial’ or ‘critical’ needs and the provision of daycare services.

The consultation runs until June 30.