Responding to Age UK’s calculation that council tax would need to leap by 10% on average next year if social care is to even “stand still”, UNISON senior national officer for social care Gavin Edwards said:
“These figures are a clear indication why social care needs immediate help from central government. Hiking council tax bills to plug the care-funding black hole is unworkable and deeply unfair.
“Not only would this deepen existing inequalities, with those from wealthier postcodes having bigger funding pots, but it could also push many low earners below the poverty line.
“The care crisis is a national problem requiring a national solution. The chancellor must commit to serious investment in the sector and tackle the staffing crisis head-on, with an immediate pay rise for care staff and a long-term plan for its future.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Siobhan Cooley M: 07432 549183 E: s.cooley@unison.co.uk
