In response to the Autumn Statement, Chief Executive of Independent Age, Janet Morrison, said:
NHS funding
“We warmly welcome the new announcements regarding extra money for the NHS. However without a greater investment in social care, which has suffered huge cuts over the last four years, much of the benefit of the extra money will be lost as elderly patients are stuck in hospitals waiting for care home places or social care support in their homes. The arguments between councils and the NHS over spending the Better Care Fund demonstrate that there is still a huge distance to go before health and social care are recognised as one system, requiring joined-up solutions.
“With the implementation of the Care Act only months away, the government must step up to ensure that there is enough funding available for councils to carry out the new law effectively. The Autumn Statement has missed the chance to respond to the huge pressure already on councils.”
Extension of National Insurance Contributions Employment Allowance to people who employ care workers
“We’re pleased to hear that the £2,000 annual National Insurance contributions Employment Allowance is being extended to older and disabled people who employ care workers, meaning they should experience a welcome reduction in their costs for care.”
The abolition of employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices aged under 25
“Since the social care sector is one of the biggest employers of apprentices, it’s good news that the National Insurance contributions on earnings up to the upper earnings limit for apprentices aged under 25 will be abolished.”