Overhaul funding to create a fairer social care system for Wales

A radical change to the way social care is paid for in Wales is needed to create a fair and equitable system, says Northgate Public Services in a response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s Paying for Care in Wales consultation.

According to Northgate, the system of funding care needs to be made more consistent and equitable, not only in Wales, but across the UK. The ‘Barnett formula’, which allocates funding to devolved authorities, disadvantages Wales in comparison to England and Scotland. This means that the Assembly Government face pressures over and above other parts of the UK.

The postcode lottery still exists within Wales. People pay different amounts towards their care, and receive different levels of care dependent on their location.

Northgate advocates a system of funding based on a partnership between an individual and the state. This would mean responsibility for paying for care would be shared between both parties, with the ratio the individual pays dependent on their means. Those on the lowest incomes would still receive all of their care for free. This would provide fairness and value for money whilst helping to make the system of state funded care more consistent across the country.

Northgate also reaffirms its support for local delivery of social care. The organisation calls for a national social care system for Wales. In this, minimum standards are set by government, but delivery is still the responsibility of local authorities which should have the flexibility to innovate and develop new ways to meet individuals’ needs.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Citizen Solutions at Northgate Public Services, said today: “How we fund social care is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Faced with increased demand with reduced resources, there is a need to take drastic action now to ensure that quality care can be delivered sustainably over the long term. By radically changing the way care is paid for in Wales, it will be possible to develop a system that is universal, equitable, and affordable for those who need it.”

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For more information
Fellows’ Associates
Kathy Sutton +44(0) 20 7324 6221; +44(0) 7966 890401
Danny Calogero +44(0) 20 7324 6223; +44(0) 7534 189235

Notes to editors

1. Northgate Public Services is an innovative provider of transformation and improvement services to the public sector. It is committed to high quality public services that place individuals and their communities at their heart. Its knowledge and understanding of people’s needs are core to its business, as too, is its depth and breadth across public services.

2. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology; to understand why and what change is necessary; to provide new thinking leading to improved performance; and to link company rewards with positive outcomes for the communities for whom it works. It supports transformation through sustainable performance partnerships.

3. In the UK, Northgate works with ninety five per cent of local authorities, every police force, and a large number of health organisations, housing associations, utilities and transport companies. Founded in 1969, the company has nearly 8,000 employees.