Counsel and Care believes smarter spending could release up to £3 billion that could be redirected to provide better care and support for the growing number of older people and their carers.

With the government preparing its emergency budget on 22 June and setting the parameters for the spending review for 2011-15, Counsel and Care argues that smarter spending is needed urgently to make the best use of existing resources and ensure that the needs of older people are top priority.

In a new paper, 'Smarter spending for better care', Counsel and Care sets out ten ways in which current resources could be spent differently. These include:

• Improved access to advice and information, particularly specialist financial advice
• Support for families and carers
• Helping older people stay in their own home for longer
• Closer working between housing, health and care
• Greater use of new technology such as telecare
• Prevention through schemes like homechecks
• Volunteering and intergenerational schemes
• Access to drugs and treatments to reduce the impact of dementia.

To access the full press release, click here