Does anyone remember my campaign letter for improving social care? Well after many months I finally have a reply so here it is:
I have responded.
Good Morning,
Thank you for contacting me about adult social care.You make a number of valid points, and I have raised your concerns with the Department for Health & Social Care.
I believe we must all receive dignified care in old age, and the Government is committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable in society get the support they need.
While it is important to note that more than 4 out of every 5 people in care receive care from good and outstanding organisations, it nevertheless remains clear that more needs to be done to tackle this serious challenge.
This can be achieved in part by securing a long term funding solution. Since 2015 local authorities have had greater flexibility over the use of the council tax social care precept. This allows them to choose to raise extra money, as well as retain savings from the New Homes Bonus, totalling £240 million. In the Spending Round in September, an extra £1.5 billion was made available to councils for adult social care services. This funding should be viewed as a significant down payment as we move towards a long term funding solution.
Money alone will not fix the problem and reform is needed to encourage high standards across the whole country. It is vital for us to consider ways of better joining up health and care services, and the use of the Better Care Fund to assist local government and the NHS with the implementation of integrated health and care services is encouraging in this regard.
The Conservative Manifesto made it clear that we must build the same level of cross-party consensus on social care that we have already built on the NHS. I stand by this commitment, and urge my colleagues and constituents of all political beliefs to take part in a conversation about establishing a care system fit for the 21st century.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind Regards,
Esther
I have responded.