Where is the funding desperately needed for social care?

Today’s spending review was a chance for this government to set out its ambitions and priorities.

Dementia carers are desperate to hear if the social care sector will finally receive the recognition and investment it so desperately needs.

For the one in two dementia carers caring with no support, the Chancellor’s spending priorities will feel like a missed opportunity.

Unpaid dementia care has been valued at £21bn. For dementia carers, caring comes at great personal, emotional, physical and financial cost. 

The additional funding announced for the NHS is very welcome. However, we know all too well that investing in the NHS at the expense of other services is not the solution. This could even cost more in the long run.

The Health Foundation estimates that an extra £3.4bn will be needed by 2028/9 to meet the costs of social care. This figure rises to £6.4bn if care packages are improved.

Yet far from outlining the funds needed to deliver a national care service fit for the 21^st century, what has been announced today will barely register for the nearly 1m dementia carers struggling across the UK. Many are already grappling with the impact of a reduction in their welfare benefits.

What if…I’m not there to care? – Dementia Carers Count

One in two dementia carers are caring with no support.

The economic impact of dementia, Alzheimer’s Society and CF

The largest cost associated with dementia is the cost of unpaid care. This is valued at £21 billion and accounts for 50% of the total in 2024.

Adult social care funding pressures: 2023 – 2035, Health Foundation Report

An extra £3.4bn is needed by 2028/9 to meet and cover the costs of social care.