GMB Southern call on Surrey Council and Government to come clean on social care shortfall

GMB Southern have called on Surrey County Council and the UK government to come clean on how shortfall in social care cash will be funded.

There is a shortfall in the money needed to fund social care in Surrey says GMB Southern
GMB Southern commented on Surrey County Council dropping plans from 19 January 2017 to increase council tax by 15% to avoid a referendum.  (See notes to editors for GMB press release on previous proposals)

Paul Maloney, GMB Southern regional secretary, said

“There is a shortfall in the money needed to fund social care in Surrey.
“Now that the referendum has been called off it is essential that the UK Government and Surrey County Council come clean on how the shortfall is going to be funded. This debacle shows the confusion and short sightedness that surrounds the funding of social care services in England.”

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Contact: Paul Maloney on 07801 343839 or Michelle Gordon on 07866 369259

Notes to Editors
1) GMB Press release 20 January 2017
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL PROPOSES 15% RISE IN COUNCIL TAX TO FILL SOCIAL CARE SHORTFALL
Money is tight in households but the care sector cannot survive unless more resources are put into it says GMB Southern
GMB Southern commented on Surrey County Council proposals to raise its council tax by 15%. A referendum for Surrey residents to accept or reject the proposals will take place in May 2017. (See notes to editors for Surrey County Council press release)
Andy Prendergast, GMB Southern region officer, said “GMB has been calling for years for Surrey County Council to move from one of the lowest in the UK for support for residents in care homes. In 2014 we pointed out that while the Rowntree recommended level of payment for residents in care should be £600 per week Surrey was paying £326.45, the lowest in the country.
Surrey residents are faced with Hobson’s choice.  Money is tight in households but the care sector cannot survive unless more resources are put into it. GMB call for a yes vote. More support is needed from the national exchequer and residents should seek pay rises to fund this additional call by Surrey County Council. GMB will support members seeking pay rises to afford this additional money for the care sector.”
2) Surrey County Council press release
news.surreycc.gov.uk/2017/01/19/david-hodge-leader-of-surrey-county-council-announces-proposal-to-seek-a-council-tax-rise-of-15/
David Hodge, Leader of Surrey County Council, announces proposal to seek a council tax rise of 15%
January 19, 2017
David Hodge, Leader of Surrey County Council, has announced a proposal to seek a council tax rise of 15%.
He said: “We have to set a budget that will protect vital services for Surrey residents.
“Government has cut our annual grant by £170m since 2010 – leaving a huge gap in our budget.
“Demand for adults social care, learning disabilities and children’s services is increasing every year.
“So I regret, despite us finding £450m worth of savings from our annual budget, we have no choice but to propose this increase in council tax.”