Although it is technically a London borough, Bromley is, in many respects, more like other areas outside the capital. It is by far the largest London borough, with some 60% being green belt or open land. Some of its urban areas neighbour inner-London boroughs, and experience many of the same social issues. Beyond these areas of disadvantage, however, in general, the community is comparatively affluent. It also has a relatively large and increasing elderly population. Many older residents are home-owners, with decreasing numbers dependent entirely on state benefits. It also has historically-low levels of government funding. As such, Bromley can be viewed as a microcosm of the UK community, and is well placed to explore how social care might evolve and develop in coming years. Last year, Bromley LBC set up its highly-successful and innovative care brokerage model. The unique model, using an independent sector agency as its brokerage partner, was a practical response to a very practical problem. Faced with ever-growing numbers of older people and people with disabilities who needed care and support, and with limited resources available to it, like many other councils, it took the difficult step to raise its eligibility criteria.
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