Yesterday, the government announced how much additional funding local authorities in England will receive to ease pressures over winter thanks to our balanced approach to the economy. Essex County Council will receive an extra £5,919,494 in winter social care funding. Essex will be receiving the second highest amount of extra funding in the country.

Earlier this month, the Health and Social Care Secretary announced £240 million for the social care system over winter, giving councils a significant boost to prevent people from going into hospital unnecessarily and getting them home as soon as they are ready.

This funding will ease pressure on the health system, and follows the announcement of £145 million to improve emergency care within the NHS this winter.

The money will pay for home care packages to help patients get out of hospital quicker, reablement packages to help patients carry out everyday tasks and regain mobility and confidence, and home adaptations.

Rebecca has welcomed this announcement of £5,919,494 for social care services in Essex, thanks to the Government’s balanced approach to the economy.

Commenting, Rebecca said:

“I am delighted that Essex County Council is receiving over £5 million in extra funding to help social care services cope with winter pressures.

“This is part of our balanced approach to the economy - spending on key public services while keeping taxes down and getting debt falling.

“Social care packages allow people to leave hospital as soon as they are well enough, and ensure they can regain independence and confidence at home. This funding will allow Essex County Council meet the care needs of more local people this winter.”