Our response to cuts in social care

In response to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services survey suggesting adult social care is to see around £1 billion of cuts this year, Michelle Mitchell, Age UK Charity Director, commented:

'The safety of very vulnerable older people is being put at risk by these cuts. Taking services away from the mostfrail and disabled older people is not only inhumane, it is also counter-productive, since costs are simply passed to the NHS.

'Every day, thousands of families are already facing agonising decisions about care for their loved ones. These cuts increase the physical burdens on many family carers - and in some cases the rising charges will also result in service users and their families being forced to pay thousands of pounds extra.

'Local authorities are responsible for looking after the most disabled and vulnerable. Some of these cuts could even prove illegal under disability discrimination laws or under the Human Rights Act if the support people receive falls below the level that people need to live with dignity and in safety.'

- ENDS -

Notes to editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity). 

Media contact: Liz Fairweather
Telephone: 020 3033 1718
Email: liz.fairweather@ageuk.org.uk