Early Action to Prevent Care Needs Escalating Could Save £11bn in Six Years
A recent study has revealed that by scaling up early interventions to prevent social care needs from escalating, the public purse could save a staggering £11 billion within the span of six years. Despite a forthcoming increase in council funding, local authorities are cautioning that the rising demand for urgent care, coupled with escalations in wages and national insurance, may pose challenges when it comes to investing in crucial initiatives aimed at helping individuals sustain their health, independence, and avert crisis situations.
The analysis conducted by the Labour-led Local Government Association focused on the impact of ten early interventions, including physical activity, social prescribing, housing support, and community-based care. These interventions were found to yield savings of £3.17 for every pound spent on them. If these interventions were to be implemented on a broader scale across all local authority areas, the study estimates that they would generate a net benefit of around £7.6 billion. However, for all single-tier and county councils in England to adopt these interventions, it would require an estimated investment of £3.5 billion.
The Return on Investment
Despite the initial investment, the study suggests that these interventions could result in an estimated return of up to £11.1 billion in savings within the mentioned six-year timeframe. The research indicates that the bulk of these savings, exceeding 90%, would be realised in the first three years of implementation.
The Time to Act Reform Board, comprised of local government and care organization leaders, sees the upcoming spending review as a pivotal moment for the government to prioritise prevention measures. By investing in prevention strategies, significant long-term savings can be secured across the public sector, all the while enabling individuals to lead the lives they aspire to.
Challenges and Call for Action
Nevertheless, the Local Government Association expressed disappointment over the absence of dedicated funding in the recent Budget for preventative initiatives. They stressed that additional funding is imperative to address pressing issues in urgent care, such as lengthy assessment wait times, and the formidable funding and demand pressures faced by councils.
David Fothergill, chair of the LGA’s community well-being board, emphasised the significance of properly funded preventative services in enabling councils to maximise the impact of their resources and fulfil community needs effectively. He underscored that such an approach could reduce the demand for costly acute health and social care support.
Looking Ahead
Clenton Farquharson, associate director at Think Local Act Personal, highlighted that investment in prevention is not solely about curbing future costs but also about fostering individuals’ ability to lead fulfilling lives. By prioritising early action and support, a system rooted in independence, resilience, and equity can be established, empowering councils, communities, and individuals to co-create a future where everyone can thrive.
As discussions continue around funding priorities and the integration of preventative strategies into health and care systems, the emphasis remains on proactively addressing care needs to not only improve outcomes for individuals but also to alleviate financial burdens on the public purse in the long run. The government’s role in championing such initiatives and investing in prevention measures is crucial for creating a sustainable and supportive care landscape for all citizens.