South West Norfolk MP welcomes funding to help people with disabilities and older residents live independently
People with disabilities and older residents will be supported to live independently in their own homes for longer thanks to an immediate cash injection.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed a funding boost of £1,347,466 for Norfolk councils as part of an £86million boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant for this financial year across the country.
This announcement is part of a package of measures confirmed by the Government in a bid to improve adult social care, support the care workforce and take pressure off the NHS.
South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy said: “Disabled facilities grants are crucial to support residents who need home adaptations such as a wet room or a stair lift.
“Such improvements can help keep people living at home independently or allow someone to be discharged from hospital.
“I am delighted the Government has confirmed this extra funding for Norfolk on top of existing allocations so that we are able to help even more people.”
As part of the funding announced, West Norfolk Council will receive just over £267,000 and Breckland Council will receive £199,563.
Alongside the funding, care workers across Norfolk will be better supported to take on further duties to deliver health interventions, such as blood pressure checks, meaning people can receive more routine checks and care at home without needing to travel to healthcare settings.
The national career structure for care staff will also be expanded, ensuring there are opportunities for progression and development.
The Government will launch an independent commission into adult social care to inform the work needed to deliver this.
The commission, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey and reporting to the Prime Minister, will work with people drawing on care and support, families, staff, politicians and the public, private and third sectors to make clear recommendations for how to rebuild the system to meet current and future needs.
Speaking last week, Mr Streeting said: “In the first six months of this government, work has already begun on stabilising the care sector, investing in prevention, and in carers and care workers.
“The investment and reforms we’re announcing today will help to modernise social care, get it working more closely with the NHS, and help deliver our plan for change.
“But our ageing society, with costs of care set to double in the next 20 years, demands longer term action.
“The independent commission will work to build a national consensus around a new National Care Service able to meet the needs of older and disabled people into the 21st century.
“I have written to opposition parties to invite them to take part in the commission’ work, and asked Baroness Louise Casey to build a cross-party consensus, to ensure the national care service survives governments of different shades, just as our NHS has for the past 76 years.
“We are appointing one of our country’s leading public service reformers, and Whitehall’s greatest do-er, to finally grasp the nettle on social care reform.”