LGA calls for 10 year plan for adult social care to match NHS strategy

THE Government needs to co-create a 10-year plan for adult social care for the upcoming NHS long term plan to succeed, Councils say.

In its submission to the consultation on the 10-year plan for the health service, the Local Government Association says that a standalone plan which prioritises and recognises the full value of adult social care is crucial to giving the Government's ambitions for our NHS the best chance of success.

Councils, through their role in public health, social care, housing, transport and leisure, play a central role in supporting and promoting people's health, wellbeing and independence.

However, years of underfunding and rising demand have left adult social care struggling. In 2023/24, 72% of Councils overspent their social care budgets, with many using reserves to cover the shortfall.

The increases to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will add significant costs for Councils and the wider social care sector next year. These pressures, compounded by inflation, demography and National Living Wage rises, are putting vital services at significant risk of collapse.

The 3 shifts that the Government wants to achieve through the NHS plan include a focus more on prevention, care closer to home, and better use of technology, and with their expertise and experience in supporting communities, Councils play a vital role in bringing these shifts to life.

The LGA is urging the Government to make adult social care a key part of its plans so that both the NHS and social care can deliver the best possible outcomes for people.

Councils say that reforms should focus on prevention, early support, and making sure care is centred around individuals' needs. Investing in early help—like supporting working-age adults with disabilities or children with special needs—can save money in the long run and improve outcomes for people.

In its submission, the LGA also highlights the need for closer working between:- the NHS, Councils, and charities to reduce health inequalities. These inequalities are linked to issues such as poor housing, low incomes, and lack of access to community facilities. Councils are already making a difference in these areas but need more funding and resources to do so effectively.

By fully integrating adult social care into the wider health and care system, Councils can ensure that prevention, community-based care, and digital transformation are successful, helping to improve lives and outcomes for people across the country.

Cllr David Fothergill, Chair of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said:- "It's good to see the NHS getting a long term plan, but adult social care needs the same level of focus and commitment at the top of Government. A 10-year plan for adult social care is vital to making sure the NHS and social care best work together to improve people's lives and life chances. A plan for adult social care reform isn't just about funding—it's about thinking through how the Government works with the public, private and voluntary sectors, the workforce and; crucially; people drawing on care and support, to codesign a new system that helps people live independent, fulfilling lives. Councils are ready to play their part in creating a healthier and more independent society, but this won't happen without proper funding and support for adult social care. An equivalent 10-year plan for adult social care is essential to make sure health and social care services work together to help people and communities thrive."

New support for Small Business from HMRC

AS Small Business Saturday approaches, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a new interactive online tool and clearer guidance for people working for themselves and individuals considering self employment.

Aimed at supporting new and existing:- 'sole traders' to better understand their responsibilities, the new interactive tool explains the records they may need to keep, taxes that may apply to their business, and includes:- other useful information, for example how to pay a tax bill.

Whether preparing a 1st business plan, finding their feet as a fledgling firm, or already an established enterprise; small businesses across the UK can access the support and information easily and free of charge. And just like UK businesses, our support comes in all shapes and sizes.

People working for themselves may need to set up as a sole trader, even if they have another job with an employer. Sole traders are classed as self-employed for tax purposes, have responsibility for any debts to their business and have some accounting responsibility.

HMRC's new Set up as a sole trader: step by step guide supports people working for themselves to understand when they may need to register as a sole trader and how to do so. This is presented in 7 simple steps.

There are several HMRC interactive tools available, including:- 1 newly launched to help businesses estimate what VAT registration may mean for them. The VAT Registration Estimator was developed after feedback from small businesses suggested an online tool would be helpful to show when their turnover could require businesses to register for VAT and its effect on profits.

Whether you want to know how to register your business with HMRC, what to do if you are employing staff or looking for information about VAT, you can find out by visiting GOV.UK.

Marc Gill, HMRC Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance, said:- "At HMRC, we know small businesses are vital to our economy, and we want to help you get things right from the start. It can feel overwhelming when you're a new business owner. That's why we've created user-friendly, anonymised tools that give you the knowledge to make confident business decisions. We are committed to continue building trust with the small business community. Whether you're just starting out or growing your business, we're here with clear, reliable guidance to help your business succeed."

The guidance and interactive tools are free to use and available directly from GOV.UK. They have been launched for information purposes only, users will not be registered for any taxes as a result of using them. HMRC will not collect or store any information about the user.

HMRC's GOV.UK guidance receives more than 750 million views a year. Our online services support businesses and individuals to interact with us securely at a time that suits them, and our free HMRC app helps them stay on top of their personal tax matters. For more information, search:- 'HMRC' on:- Gov.UK.