Adult social care firms struggling for staff

Adult social care firms are struggling to hire, retain and train staff as a result of cuts to council budgets, a survey of senior officials suggests.

Councils in England are facing a £1.1bn shortfall this year, on top of “almost unendurable” cuts since 2010, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services has warned.

Freezing care provider fees to save money was no long sustainable, it said.

Ministers say extra money will help NHS and social care services work together.

The survey, which was completed by 147 directors of adult social services for councils in England, suggests that funding reductions to social care budgets have totalled £4.6bn since 2010 – a 31% overall reduction. To read more visit the BBC website.