Government accused of dragging its feet over delay in social care reform plans
The Government has been accused of “dragging its feet” after it delayed publishing proposals to reform adult social care until next summer.
First Secretary of State Damian Green said ministers wanted to “take the time needed to debate these complex issues”.
Chancellor Philip Hammond announced a green paper on reforming social care during March’s budget, with proposals previously expected by the end of the year.
Shadow care minister Barbara Keeley said: “This complacent Tory Government is dragging its feet over the long-term funding of social care at a time when the system is creaking under winter pressures.
“Scandalously, on this trajectory it will have taken a year to publish this green paper from the date it was announced, and will be even longer before we have a clear policy from the Government.”
Norman Lamb, the Liberal Democrat former health minister, added: “This Government is completely failing to address the social care crisis which has left over a million vulnerable older people without the support they need.
“It is outrageous that they are now kicking the can further down the road, leaving the social care sector in a state of uncertainty.”
The green paper was promised prior to the so-called “dementia tax” plans unveiled in the Tory’s general election manifesto, which have since been dropped.
In a written statement to Parliament, Mr Green (pictured) said the review would “not focus narrowly on questions of means-testing” and look beyond just social care services.
“To deliver a lasting solution, it is right that we take the time needed to debate these complex issues and listen to a range of perspectives to build consensus,” he added.
“The green paper presents a unique opportunity to build consensus around reforms which can last.
“There is no escaping that building a sustainable care and support system will require choices about what that system should provide and how it is paid for.
“But getting this right promises a better system that everyone can have confidence in, where people understand their responsibilities, can prepare for the future, and know that the care they receive will be to a high standard and help them maintain their independence and wellbeing.”
Mr Green also said that the green paper would focus on care for older people, with a parallel programme looking at the needs of working age adults with care needs.
“Alarmingly, it also does not appear that the green paper will consult on working age people with social care needs,” Ms Keeley said.
Margaret Willcox, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said: “This paper presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform adult social care for everyone who needs it, and to address the issue of funding after 2020 when the extra £2 billion for social care runs out.
“Adult social care cannot continue without sufficient and sustainable resources.
“The sooner long-term, sustainable funding reforms are established to address the perilous state of adult social care – including overspent council budgets, care providers closing, contracts being handed back to councils and an increase in quality challenges – the sooner the sector can help provide reliable, personal and dignified care to the increasing number of people of all ages who need and deserve it.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Ben Birchall / PA Wire.
