Ageing UK population drove decision to direct more funds to adult care, says Northamptonshire County Council finance member

By The Newsroom
Published 18th Dec 2017, 17:00 BST
Updated 19th Dec 2017, 10:11 BST
Councillor Robin Brown looks on as Councillor Heather Smith discusses the 2018-19 draft budget proposals. (Picture: Kirsty Edmonds)Councillor Robin Brown looks on as Councillor Heather Smith discusses the 2018-19 draft budget proposals. (Picture: Kirsty Edmonds)
Councillor Robin Brown looks on as Councillor Heather Smith discusses the 2018-19 draft budget proposals. (Picture: Kirsty Edmonds)
Northamptonshire County Council insists an increased demand for NHS services amid the UK's ageing population has added extra pressure on adult social care services in the county.

This, according to cabinet member for finance Councillor Robin Brown, has driven the decision to direct an extra £24.6m on adult social care as proposed in the 2018-19 draft budget released yesterday.

Bed-blocking and home care for the elderly were also cited as reasons to allocate the additional funds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Councillor Brown said: "The issue about the demands for services, particularly those to do with the elderly, is driven by the hospitals.

“So as more and more people are using the hospitals and are seeking treatment or having treatment - 25 years ago they didn't get to the age they are now.

"Whereas people lived probably into their late 70s, they’re now living into their 80s and 90s, and the issue about this last 10 years of their life is that more and more medical assistance is required.

"As that medical assistance is costing us money through the NHS what people fail to realise is that alongside it you have adult social care