‘Housing must be central’ – the sector reacts to plans to reform adult social care

Housing organisations have welcomed the government’s plans to overhaul adult social care announced this morning.

The government, which says its ultimate aim is to create a National Care Service, announced today that Baroness Louise Casey will chair an independent commission looking into adult social care, to report in 2028.

Ministers have also announced a package of short-term measures, including an £86m increase to the disabled facilities grant for this year, on top of an £86m increase for the next financial year, taking the total to £711m. The grant is used by landlords or homeowners to make improvements to homes to meet disabled residents’ needs.

The government said it will overhaul funding to ensure cash “contributes to wider efforts to reduce emergency [hospital] admissions”. It also pledged to set new standards on the use of technology in care, professionalise the care workforce, join up health, and care services.

Rachael Williamson, interim director of policy, communication and external affairs at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) described the independent review “as a positive step toward addressing long-standing challenges in the health and housing sectors.”

She said: “Housing must be central to the review’s solutions, supported by adequate funding for local authorities to provide timely home adaptations and a commitment to integrating housing into health and care strategies.

“To underpin this, we urge the government to use its forthcoming housing strategy and spending review to recognise the role that housing plays in supporting health and social care, and to prioritise accessible housing by publishing the technical details for accessibility standards, ensuring all new homes are accessible and adaptable.

Williamson added that the CIH welcomes the increased investment in the disabled facilities grant as it “enables people to live safely and independently, reducing pressures on health services.”

Sarah Jones, chief executive of Anchor, the largest provider of specialist housing and care for older people in England, also welcomed the announcement.

She said: “Meaningful reform of social care is long overdue, and we welcome the intent to achieve cross-party agreement to finally address an issue affecting growing numbers of some of the most vulnerable people in the country.

“We are pleased to see the ongoing commitment to a National Care Service so people can live independently for as long as possible with the right support. This can release much needed capacity for the NHS and improve the lives of older people and we stand ready to support Baroness Casey and the work of the independent commission.”

Bruce Moore, chief executive of Housing 21, said his organisation “firmly” believes appropriate housing should play a vital role in achieving the goal of enabling people to live independently in their home for longer.

He said: ”We encourage the government to continue prioritising appropriate housing as a key component of its social care strategy. A dedicated older people’s housing strategy would help ensure that all individuals have access to the suitable and affordable housing they need to thrive.”

Louise Gittins, chair of the Local Government Association, said she was pleased to see more people will be supported in their homes through the disabled facilities grant increase.

She said: “For this process to succeed, the [Casey] review must deliver bold and actionable recommendations, backed by a firm commitment to provide the substantial funding needed to turn those recommendations into reality.

 “The full potential value of this work will only be realised if local government, people drawing on care and support, and other parts of the sector, are fully involved and engaged. This review provides a vital opportunity to create a system that works for everyone, and we are ready to collaborate with the government and partners to achieve this goal.”