The Audit Commission’s recently published report, Under Pressure, states councils will struggle to deal with the financial challenge posed by England's ageing population. The commission says some councils have been innovative, thoughtful and cost-effective in their services. However, most do not know enough about the costs of their ageing population. They may also miss the savings that could flow from preventive services and better work with other organisations. The report recommends:

“  All councils should:

• update their sustainable community and service strategies and medium-term financial plans to prepare for an ageing population;
• build older people's opinions and experiences into plans for services; and
• update commissioning strategies to prevent, reduce or delay the incidence of health and social care costs.

Councils with social care responsibilities should also:

• use unit cost data and benchmarks to identify priorities; aim to reduce residential care costs below the Department of Health's suggested target of 40 per cent of the budget for older people's care services; and develop an action plan to meet the financial challenge;
• work with the NHS, voluntary bodies and older people on area-wide approaches to later life that underpin value for money by integrating prevention, early intervention, and care services; and
• use delivery chain analysis to overcome obstacles to joint working aimed at cutting hospital admissions and high-level residential care support. “

Source Audit Commission Press Release
www.audit-commission.gov.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/Pages/20100218councilsmustsavebyhelpingolderpeoplehelpthemselves.aspx

The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.