boom in the elderly living in rural parts of England could see the quality of social care and access to services decline without additional funding from the Governmentwarns a new report.
According to an analysis by the County Council Network (CCN), the number of over-65s living in county and rural areas has increased by one million over the past decade.
Data from the 2021 census shows that for the first time, these areas have about as many elderly people as children and young people.
Between 2011 and 2021, the number of over-65s in provincial areas grew by 1.1 million (23.3%), while the number of 0-19 year-olds increased by only 72,000 (1.3%).
In metropolitan municipalities and Londonthe number of elderly people grew by 14.9% and 15.3% respectively, an increase of just over 400,000 people in total.
The CCN said the demographic shift is increasing pressure on underfunded adult social care services.
Unless the government increases funding and changes funding for its flagship reforms in adult social care, the quality and accessibility of care services could deteriorate further.
These are hundreds of millions of pounds worse off compared to towns and cities, the CCN said, because the “outdated” financing formula the government uses does not take into account increased demand in counties and rural areas.
County councils are also concerned that reforms to adult social care, due to take effect from October 2023, could lead to reduced quality and access to services unless the government provides more funding and changes the way resources are distributed between municipalities.
Councilor Martin Tett, CCN spokesperson for adult social care, said: “Over the past 10 years we have seen an increase in the elderly population in provincial areas, with the increase in the over-65s far exceeding the increase in other parts of the country.
“This continues the demographic trends we’ve seen in counties for decades, with more people living longer or choosing to live in the counties of England.
“This is to be welcomed. But we must also recognize that the dramatic increase in the over-65s in provinces and rural areas will have a significant impact on adult social care.
“Failure to reform an outdated council funding formula has already left social care services in these areas hundreds of millions of pounds worse off.
“The social care reforms in England will have a further disproportionate impact on county areas.
“Unless the government provides more funding and changes the distribution of money for its flagship adult social care reforms, the quality and accessibility of care services could deteriorate further.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Reforming social care for adults is a priority and we are investing £5.4bn over the next three years to end rising healthcare costs and staff. to support.
“This includes £3.6bn to reform the social care system and empower all local authorities to ensure that healthcare providers pay fair costs of care, and a further £1.7bn to start major improvements in health care. social care for adults in England, funded by the Health and Social Care Allowance.
“Our investment through the levy is in addition to record annual funding to help municipalities respond to rising demands and cost pressures.”