delayed transfer of care iBCF funding

A short-term £674 million government funding programme has helped promote independent living and reduce delayed discharges across the social care system according to new statistics, reinforcing local authorities calls to guarantee the funding for the future.

Released on the 7th October by the Government, the statistics concern outcomes relating to the Improved Better Care Fund (iBCF) spending, a funding programme aiming to join-up health and care services and increase independence at home.

Coordinating the provision of social care in 150 areas in England, Health and Wellbeing Boards reported progress from money spent to meet adult social care needs, reduce pressure on the NHS and support the social care market.

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In particular, the Boards stated that this year’s funding had paid for almost 75,000 extra home care packages, over 15,500 additional care home placements, social care provider fee increases in 90 percent of Health and Wellbeing Board areas.

According to the Health and Wellbeing Boards, this helped to reduce delayed transfers of care and free up hospital beds through supporting more people to be discharged from hospital when they were ready, with 122 projects last year.

Luke Hall MP, Local Government Minister, said: “Councils are on the frontline caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and we are determined to continue supporting them in this vital work.

“We have listened to their feedback and I am delighted our funding has provided almost 13 million extra hours of care at home, improving people’s quality of life and giving them greater independence.”

The additional iBCF funding forms part of an additional £2 billion for councils to deliver adult social care from 2017 to 2020, announced at the Spring Budget 2017.

Recently, a group representing 36 county local authorities called on the Government to secure the grants such as the iBCF that make-up the £2 billion past 2020, stating that short-term renewals make long-term planning difficult and warning crucial care services for vulnerable people hang in the balance.

Minister for Care, Caroline Dinenage MP, said: “We are determined to ensure people are able to access good quality, compassionate care by better joining up councils and health services.

“The Improved Better Care Fund has had a huge impact on local communities ensuring more of our most vulnerable in society are getting the help and support they need to stay living at home for longer and ensuring the local care market stays sustainable.”

As announced at the Spending Round, next year local government will have access to an additional £1 billion grant for adults and children’s social care, on top of existing social care funding (which includes the iBCF).

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/delayed-transfer-of-care-iBCF-funding.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/delayed-transfer-of-care-iBCF-funding-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettGovernment & Local AuthoritiesInvestments & FundingNewsroombed blocking,delayed transfers,Department for Health and Social Care,Health and Wellbeing Boards,hospital bed,iBCF,Improved Better Care Fund,Local government,social care crisis,social care servicesA short-term £674 million government funding programme has helped promote independent living and reduce delayed discharges across the social care system according to new statistics, reinforcing local authorities calls to guarantee the funding for the future. Released on the 7th October by the Government, the statistics concern outcomes relating to...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals