Published on 1 December the Government’s People at the Heart of Care: adult social care reform white paper is a policy paper which sets out a 10-year vision for adult social care and provides information on funded proposals that will be implemented over the next 3 years.

The White Paper is based on 3 core principles:

• Everybody has choice, control and support to live independent lives
• Everyone can access outstanding personalised care and support
• Adult social care is fair and accessible for everyone who needs it

The RSN has examined the White Paper through a rural lens, analysing each part of the White Paper and what it means for rural communities. 

Our findings at a glance are as follows:

At a glance

Rural Services Network’s thoughts on People at the Heart of Care White Paper:

In many places through the White Paper the Government’s ambition is expressed in terms of words to the effect of “we want people to be able to say”.  From a rural perspective and in terms of fairness we expect people who draw on care and support (including carers) and those delivering the support to be able to say:

• I and my carers can access good social care support regardless of where I live. Addressing geographical inequality must start with the inequitable distribution of funds between rural and urban areas, including ensuring that funding formulae fully address the extra costs of service provision in the rural context.
• I can access good social care regardless of my age. Between 2018 and 2040 the 65+ age group in predominantly rural areas is projected to rise by 46.3% (41.2% for predominantly urban areas). For the 85+ age group the projection for predominantly rural areas is 93% (urban 66.9%). It is well known that for the 85+ age group, when care/support is needed, it is generally more complex and costly to provide.
• I can access good social care regardless of my financial means. I should not have to pay more through my council tax for social care in my area than someone living in an urban area.
• I can access good digital care.  It is imperative that the necessary level of broadband connectivity required to meet the Government’s aims is available across all rural areas without delay. This includes the so-called ‘hard’ or ‘very hard’ to reach areas.
• I can access preventative health initiatives regardless of where I live.  Predominantly urban areas receive 56.8% more per head in government public health grant than their rural counterparts despite addition costs of service delivery across rural areas.

To access our full rural lens review of the People at the Heat of Care – Adult Social Reform White Paper click on the image below: