Council chiefs have outlined their vision for the future of adult social care services with the launch of a prospectus for local providers.

Type=image;ImageID=8564;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Launch of the Market Position Statement;TitleClass=strong;

The Market Position Statement presents a picture of current supply and demand for services for older people and adults with learning disabilities, physical or sensory impairments or mental health issues, and how it may look in the future.

The report predicts that there will be a 25% increase in the number of people aged 70 and over in Wolverhampton in the next 20 years, with the number of people aged 80 and over increasing by nearly two thirds.

Sadly, the number of people living with dementia is also set to grow by 44% over the next 20 years, while the council also estimates that there will be an increase in the number of adults with disabilities.

Councillor Elias Mattu, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "The Market Position Statement shows what supply and demand is like at present, what it might look like in the future and how as a council we intend to commission services which will meet this demand.

"It is clear that the need for social care is increasing, mainly because the number of older people in Wolverhampton is increasing.

"This is happening at a time when public funding to support older people and adults with disabilities is reducing. Most councils are also facing an unprecedented cut in funding over the next 4 years, and the challenge for us is to continue to deliver quality outcomes for people even though we will have reduced resources.

"We remain committed to doing this, and the information in the report will help us, our partners and prospective service providers to understand and meet the care and support needs of social care service users, while also helping as many people as possible to live independently in a safe environment."

The Market Position Statement for Care and Support for Adult Services in Wolverhampton 2015 to 2017 can be found at Type=links;Linkid=6729;Title=WIN - Wolverhampton Information Network;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Wednesday 9 December, 2015