Despite being in power for almost two months now, Labour’s silence on social care has been deafening.
The new government’s manifesto promised a National Care Service and better pay for care workers, yet our sector remains in the dark, still reeling from a decade of devastating Tory cuts.
The previous government’s decision to reduce National Insurance payments may have scored political points and added a few pounds to everyone’s pockets; it only deepened the financial crisis in our struggling care sector.
Labour’s thumping majority allows this administration to be brave. So what’s preventing them from reversing these tax cuts and reinvesting that money back into social care where it’s desperately needed? Is it a lack of political will or priority?
At Alternative Futures Group (AFG) our mission is to deliver outstanding, person-centred support that empowers people to live independently. But without a clear Government funding strategy, this has never been more challenging to deliver.
I urge Westminster to provide the urgent clarity to help stabilise and secure crucial services for our most vulnerable.
At AFG we support more than 900 adults across the North West with either a learning disability, autism or a mental health condition, and employ more than 1,600 dedicated staff. Despite market challenges, we are dedicated to making a difference and driving positive change for the people we support.
As a sector we face systematic inequality, as national and local governments continue to prioritise elderly care funding, resulting in better support and pay. It’s no wonder elderly care retains staff more effectively.
We cannot allow this two-tier funding situation to endure. Social care isn’t just for the elderly. Don’t those outside of elderly care such as valuable people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions deserve the same high standards of person-centred care? We believe they do, and action is needed now.
But it’s not just the government that needs to get its house in order. We as a provider industry also need to face up to some very tough decisions.
With over 14,500 social care providers across the UK – most being small local organisations – the system is fragmented, inefficient and inconsistent in quality.
We need to have frank and honest conversations around provider consolidation to reduce costs and improve quality and outcomes for those we support.
Of course, as a large provider, consolidation is something we might be expected to advocate. But, the benefits for the sector, service users and tax payers are too great to ignore.
Strategic reform and innovation in care services can benefit everyone. Collaboration can also prevent the rise of large national care providers, keeping person-centred support in the hands of local carers.
By optimising the limited funding and reducing waste, more money can also be directed to the 1.5 million dedicated care workers who hold this sector together.
But we can only do this through a sea change in the national conversation. And this requires greater public awareness and pressure on our politicians for change. No longer should social care play fourth fiddle to the economy, NHS and education.
At AFG we are playing our part to improve the system by significantly investing in technology to provide tailored, one-to-one care that promotes independence, choice and control, while saving costs.
I believe that with government and provider collaboration on reform, innovative commissioning, and technology, we can turn the tide. With bold changes, I’m optimistic about the future of care and our positive impact on those in need.
With the Party conference season kicking off next month, we will be listening intently to the Government’s stance on these issues.
@ welcometoafg
afgroup.org.uk
