News

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, responds to Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s commitment to make the UK the first country to reach zero HIV transmissions by 2030.

“Social care is a complex arena spanning multiple partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors. For a long time, there have been significant challenges, including financial and workforce pressures and the COVID-19 Pandemic has only exacerbated these issues."

"Adult social care is facing a funding gap for current services, increasing each year due to inflation and other costs even with these reforms fully funded. This is without considering the immediate need to address unmet and under met need on these overburdened systems."

“The strategy response represents a missed opportunity to tackle the underlying causes of many of these issues, which will continue to be exacerbated by the growing cost of living crisis. Unless the government takes urgent action, its ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030 will be missed."

LGA analysis has shown, there are significant numbers of dental deserts across the country, with many people lacking access to affordable dental care.

An acute shortage of NHS dentists mean hundreds of dental practices may have to close in the years ahead

“Fundamental changes to the way we fund adult social care are needed if we are to deliver a long-term sustainable system that works for everyone in society"

"Greater investment in community support is the surest way to reduce hospital admissions and help the health and care system become more sustainable in the long-term."

"Putting in place the right services and workforce requires forward planning and longer term contracts. Adult social care services still face a £3.5 billion funding gap by 2025, just to maintain existing standards of care."

"Local knowledge and expertise will be crucial in encouraging everyone from all parts of the community to get vaccinated. Councils’ unique relationship with the people they represent mean they are well placed to reach out to those in the priority groups and beyond."