By Suzanne Cumberbatch Hopes that the Government would bail out councils left with financial black holes by NHS trusts have been dashed by the Department of Health (DoH). Press rumours emerged last week that the DoH would compensate social services departments left with funding gaps by cash-strapped NHS trusts were welcomed by councils, although the ‘grants’ were described as little more than sticking plasters. ‘I don’t see why councils should pick up the costs of struggling NHS trusts, but I don’t see how this grant would help,’ said Andrew Cozens, the IDeA’s strategic adviser for children, adult and health services. ‘The bigger issue is the priority given to care services, which the NHS is cutting, compensation does not solve their long-term future. At best, this funding would be a short-term fix and little more than a sticking plaster.’ The NHS Confederation echoed the concerns of the IDeA, stating that local problems had to be addressed by local authorities and the NHS together. ‘Local authorities and health communities have to work through their individual issues and make sure services are not being compromised,’ said deputy policy director, Jo Webber. ‘The funding would help, but where would it come from and what would be the knock on effect. ‘Social care services are in deficit, and we need to start working as social care communities to solve this.’ An LGA spokesperson added: ‘What must not be forgotten is that all local authorities are having to deal with the pressures caused by a growing elderly population with increasing care needs. ‘All of these issues must be addressed in the Comprehensive Spending Review.’ A Department of Health spokeswoman said: ‘This is not a policy position we recognise, or are taking forward.’ s.cumberbatch@hgluk.com
