Analysis by London Councils shows that had adult social care spending risen in line with NHS funding since 2010, an additional £800m would be available to spend on the sector across the capital in 2020/21.
Before Covid-19, London’s adult social care sector faced a funding shortfall of £130m this year, which could grow to £600m by 2025 unless investment is increased to meet demand.
Boroughs are urging ministers to address these finance pressures, pointing to the sector’s role in caring for 150,000 Londoners.
London boroughs expect to spend around £350m extra on adult social care in 2020/21 due to Covid-19 – almost one third of their anticipated additional spending.
Even though the capital has a younger population than the rest of the country, the number of Londoners aged 65 and older is expected to increase by 71% by 2039 – a faster rate than any other region in England. In the same time period, the number of Londoners aged 90 and older is set to grow by 156%, Office for National Statistics suggest.
The analysis comes ahead of the chancellor’s spending review, which is due today after midday.
©2024 All rights reserved LaingBuisson 
