Call for better social care through increased power for local authorities

In its response to the Green Paper, Northgate argues that the social care system is in need of radical change in order to meet the challenges of reduced resources and increased demand. The company calls for universal social care with a wide range of services delivered through partnerships between local service providers. It also says that government should have a key role in sponsoring innovation within the market.

Northgate advocates a part national, part local system. A national needs assessment would ensure equity in the way people are assessed and have their care paid for. Local authorities should be responsible for deciding how much individuals receive to spend on care. Currently, the system fails to take into account the needs of carers. The new system should promote joined up working between local agencies, considering users' needs within the context of their household unit. The response also calls for a partnership approach to funding as a means of combining universality with value for money with responsibilities shared by the state and the individual.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Citizen Solutions at Northgate Public Services, said today: 'Resources are at an all time low. Social care faces an unprecedented challenge. We need radical change, now, rather than later. We must make sure that every member of our community, especially those in need, receives the services they deserve. We believe that a partnership approach to both working and funding is the way forward. However, services must be tailored around the individual. That is why we are calling for a locally led National Care Service.'