Adults who need social care could benefit from a £7.7 million uplift in council spending if Cornwall Council’s ruling cabinet opts to take full advantage of new government rules allowing an increase in council tax precepts.

The Adult Social Care part of the council’s budget has for many years been seen as a “Cinderella” service, lacking the funds to cope with Cornwall’s ageing population. The Care Quality Commission warned in October that adult social care was “at the tipping point.”

Recent controversies surrounding the council’s role in commissioning care in some of Cornwall’s residential homes, and forthcoming controversies over “who pays for what” as health and social care services are integrated, help explain why the government is keen to avoid direct responsibility.

A briefing paper prepared by council officials ahead of a cabinet meeting later this month sets out options available.

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