£11.4m to support Adult Social Care providers

Essex County Council has today announced that it will be releasing £11.4 million from its reserves to support Adult Social Care providers to cope with the anticipated demands placed upon them by coronavirus.

Since early March, the number of coronavirus cases in the UK has grown significantly, with the frail and the elderly among the most vulnerable groups. The health and care sectors are likely to be significantly affected and face high demand and pressures on their workforce.

Drawing down extra financial resource will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of our vulnerable residents and avoid providers and care staff suffering financial hardship as a result of coronavirus.

It is vitally important during the period of the coronavirus response to sustain providers of social care to make sure they can continue in business, in the face of both demand and workforce pressures.

Essex County Council Leader, Cllr David Finch said: “In this challenging and unknown climate Essex County Council is taking firm and swift action to support the adult social care market. I want to reassure providers and those who use our adult social care services that we are taking these steps in order to be ready to support them and their loved ones. I would also like to say thank you to all those who are on the front line supporting our most vulnerable residents, your dedication and commitment is exemplary.”

This decision focuses on providers within the homecare market including within supported living, extra care and for those who manage their own direct payments. The extra funding will also help Adult Social Care teams ensure that where possible people with social care related needs are able to be cared for out of hospital.

The Council is also developing further actions to take to support the health and social care sector including providers of other care services. Details will be announced when confirmed.

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