ADULT SOCIAL Care in Thurrock, we understand, is close to achieving that elusive Green Flag status from the Audit Commission.
Cllr Arnold was keen to express her concern at the issue of free personal care for the elderly becoming a political football.
Plans to expand free home care for the elderly sparked furious exchanges at Prime Minister’s questions as a new report said “radical changes” were needed to maintain the care system in the face of increasing demands.
The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) annual report on health and social care services in England said a predicted 1.7 million more adults will need care by 2030, putting pressure on already-stretched public finances.
The Government’s Personal Care at Home Bill, which would provide 400,000 vulnerable elderly people with free care in their homes, was criticised by Cllr Arnold supporting Tory leader David Cameron who accused Gordon Brown of using it to promote “cheap dividing lines” between the parties ahead of the general election.
