Our ageing population is one of the greatest financial pressures on councils and other care providers.
Elder care funding is in the news again as the cross-party Commission on 2020 Public Services called for increases in local public health and social care.
Now, the Audit Commission has published a new free, online finance improvement tool that will help councils respond to the financial impact of providing services for an increasing number of older residents.
It is available on the Improvement Network website, and based on the challenge and review areas identified in the Audit Commission’s February report Under pressure: Tackling the financial challenge for councils of an ageing population.
The tool assesses a council’s approach to the financial challenges of an ageing population, and then identifies areas for improvement. It is designed to be completed by a group of people, including the director of finance, the council’s lead officer on adult social care, other heads of services and commissioners.
The online tool is user-friendly, with a ‘traffic light’ self-assessment scoring system against questions in three categories - ‘Taking a strategic view’, ‘Managing costs and Prevention’ and ‘Early intervention’. An automatic report is then created, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This can be downloaded easily to share with colleagues.
Discussion of the questions will help councils to identify gaps and plan a local response. Partner organisations with an interest can also use the questions from the tool to consider their own approach.
The improvement tool is the latest in a suite of study products associated with the 'Under Pressure' report, including:
- The study report and its summary;
- A map of tools and guidance on planning social care services; and
- A scrutiny guide.
These are all available from the AC website: Under pressure: Tackling the financial challenge for councils of an ageing population.
Notes to editors
- The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
- Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers.
- On 13 August 2010 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that he plans to disband the Audit Commission. His intention is to have new arrangements in place for auditing England's public bodies by 2012/13.
- View more details about the role of the Audit Commission.
For further information please contact:
MARK NICHOLSON
Media Relations Manager, Audit Commission
Millbank Tower, London SW1P 4HQ
Direct line 0844 798 2135 / 0207 166 2135
24hr Press line 0844 798 2128 Mobile 07813 038132
E-mail m-nicholson@audit-commission.gov.uk