Councils in Wales to get £30m boost for social care
Local authorities in Wales will receive an extra £30m from the Welsh Government to strengthen community-based services and speed up hospital discharges.
The funding will be used to improve access to timely care assessments and home support packages, allowing patients to leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit and reducing delays in the system.
It will also be used to strengthen community-based social care and support services to help people to stay well at home.
It comes as councils across Wales warn that demand for adult social care is increasing, placing strain on already stretched budgets. Ministers say the new money will help relieve some of that pressure by focusing on preventative services and early intervention.
Local authorities will be able to direct funding at specific regional challenges, building on the Welsh Government’s 50-day challenge programme and aligning with integrated care models.
During a visit to Bridgend, Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, met Mr Howard Pring who is receiving vital support from the local authority’s Home Support Team. Through daily visits, the team provides help with essential tasks, enabling the individual to continue living independently at home.
The funding will also support the development of a multi-disciplinary prevention team in Bridgend which is designed to reduce hospital admissions by providing targeted support to individuals in care homes and the wider community.
Similar projects across Wales will benefit from the £30m, with local authorities focusing on preventative and early intervention initiatives as well as actions that enable people to leave hospital as soon as they are clinically able, helping individuals live healthier lives at home and within their communities.
Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “The funding we are making available to local authorities will make a real difference to people across Wales who need care and support.
“By investing in community-based support, we can help more people return home from hospital when they’re medically ready and enable others to remain independent in their communities.
“This will not only improve experiences for individuals but also help patient flow through our hospitals.”
This funding has been secured through the budget deal between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.
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