THE Town Hall’s health chief said the council could be facing a “horror story” after its adult social care funding was cut.

Councillor Nurullah Turan has written to the government highlighting the rising costs in discharge care faced by the council as a result of the pandemic.

It is currently facing extra costs of £2.5million.

During the pandemic the government covered costs for hospital discharge care packages to improve the availability of hospital beds, but the funding was pulled in April this year.

Cllr Turan said: “In the winter period there are considerable pressures in adult social care and this is compounded with pressures from Covid.

“Every year we are making difficult decisions and it means there could be further cuts to the council. The financial burden will fall on the council.”

The council say this comes as the increase in demand for adult social care has risen by 18 per cent. It is factored in with rising waiting lists, cancelled hospital appointments, growing mental health illnesses and “long Covid”.

An announcement is expected next week to give an update on the government’s stance on adult social care funding.

Cllr Turan said: “I am hoping there will be some good news come next week because this is all over the country.

“Our population are getting older. The older residents and those in need are pushing the cost further every year. We want our residents to live well and age well. That is our priority.”

He added: “Our fingers are crossed for the announcement next week or it will be like a horror story waiting for local councils to go bankrupt.”

Health secretary Sajid Javid said earlier this month that the responsibility of health and social care ‘begins at home’ and people should turn to family before the NHS.

He said at the Tory party conference: “Government shouldn’t own all risks and responsibilities in life.”