Phillip Hammond's Spring Statement condemned by social care.

Philip Hammond was upbeat as he delivered his Spring Statement, describing himself as ‘positively Tigger-like’ amidst news that the economy had grown every year since 2010.  Growth for 2018 is forecast at 1.5 per cent which has been upped from 1.4 per cent by the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Referring to his critics as Eeyores, Hammond said looking at the opposition “If there are any Eeyores in the chamber, they’re over there. I, meanwhile, am at my most positively Tigger-like today as I contemplate a country which faces the future with unique strength”. It has been argued however, that his speech gave very little for the social care sector to be upbeat about.

The National Pensioners Convention attacked Hammond for ignoring the ongoing crisis in social care funding and not providing some short-term financial support for the sector.

Jan Shortt who is the NPC general secretary said: “Another statement from the Chancellor and another opportunity missed to address the terrible crisis in our social care system. The fact that he remained silent on the issue actually speaks volumes and proves the Government has no real idea of what to do.”

Shortt went onto say that the chancellor has ‘room to deliver extra money’ as employment is high and the OBR has said inflation will fall to the Bank of England target of two per cent by the end of the year. Martin Green, chief executive of Care England echoed Shortt stating that “The Spring Statement shows the deficit is being reduced, so the Chancellor has room to deliver extra money for a long term solution for social care”.

For 2018/19, Mr Hammond said national debt will peak this year at 85.6 per cent as a proportion of GDP, before falling to 77.9 per cent in 2022/23.