Councils, charities and health groups set out social care reform principles in call for ‘complete reset’

By Shaun Connolly, Reporter27th July 2020News EnglandAdult Care, Business / Funding / Finance, Coronavirus / Covid-19, Local Authorities, News England, Social Care, Top Stories

A radical restructuring of social care is needed after the coronavirus pandemic, according to councils, charities and health organisations.

The Government needs to publish a timetable for social care reform before Parliament returns from its summer recess in September, the coalition of groups said.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England, together with more than 30 organisations – including the Alzheimer’s Society, NHS Confederation and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services – urged major change in care provision.

The groups set out seven principles for change including “adequate and sustainable funding and supporting the care workforce”.

LGA chairman James Jamieson (pictured), said: “For too long we have been promised a plan to fix the social care crisis but people who use and work in these vital services are still waiting.

“The Covid-19 crisis has proved that we need a complete reset, not a restart, when it comes to the future of social care.

“The pandemic has also served to highlight the incredibly valuable role of social care in its own right and why it is more important than ever before that we find a long-term and sustainable solution, so that people of all ages can live the life they want to lead.”

He added: “These seven principles, which have support from a number of prominent organisations across the health and care sector, need to inform and underpin the Government’s thinking on the future of adult social care in this country.

“Everyone who has been involved in dealing with the dreadful effects of this disease, including older people, unpaid carers, the most vulnerable and those who support them, deserve to know that the lessons learned will be used in shaping the future.

“This should mean care and support is properly based around every individual, keeping them safe, well and as independent as possible, and in their own home and community for as long as possible.

“We urge the Government and other parties to begin cross-party talks on the future of adult social care so we can get on with the job of realising our shared ambition of supporting people to live the lives they want to lead.”