Coalition government urged to tackle ‘care crisis’

A national charity has called on the Government to make reform of social care an urgent priority. Carers UK said the care system in the UK was “crumbling” and asked the new Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and his team to make clear plans for a fair, universal and transparent care service as a matter of urgency.

Emily Holzhausen, Carers UK director of policy and public affairs, said: “As they set out their new programme for Government, the new Health Secretary and his team face a crisis in our care system that cannot be ignored.

“The care system is crumbling. On top of the existing postcode lottery in care, cuts are already starting to bite as councils reduce support to families.

“Ill, frail and disabled people and carers are struggling with soaring charges for the most basic of services with many forced to sell their homes to pay for residential care.

“Family members who provide care are falling out of work and into ill-health and poverty. We cannot wait any longer for change.

“During the election campaign we welcomed the recognition from all the main political parties of the need to reform to tackle these challenges, with all the party leaders speaking out for the need for change in the Prime Ministerial debates.

“However we are deeply disappointed that the programme for Government published in the coalition agreement this week does not establish social care as a political priority.

“Clear plans must be brought forward as a matter of urgency, setting out a sustainable funding model for fair, universal, and transparent care services.”

Carers UK aims to make a difference to carers’ lives by campaigning, informing carers of their rights, training and advising professionals who work with carers and running networks of branches across the country.

For more information visit www.carersuk.org.