Boris told to act on social care as two million pleas for support are snubbed
TWO million requests from pensioners desperate for social care help have been rejected since Boris Johnson promised to fix the crisis in 2019.
Cash-strapped local councils faced with growing numbers of frail elderly and vulnerable people are turning down 21,000 requests a week.
The impact of the pandemic means it is crucial the Government urgently refinances and reforms social care, according to a blistering open letter sent to the Prime Minister by the Care & Support Alliance (CSA).
Caroline Abrahams CBE, co-chair of the Alliance and a director of Age UK, said: “The fact that two million requests for care have been turned
‘The fact that so many have been turned down is mind-blowing’
down is mind-blowing.” The CSA’s analysis has been published to mark two years since Mr Johnson made his pledge on the steps of Downing Street as he took office on July 24, 2019.
But nearly 100 weeks later there is still nothing to show from the PM.
The letter says: “We and the millions with whom we work really do now need you to follow through.
“We are therefore writing to urge you to take decisive action to fulfil your promise during the remaining months of this year.
“During the pandemic tens of thousands died before their time in care homes from Covid-19.
“The best possible legacy we can give all those who have lost loved ones would be to ensure that we fix the care system so that a similar tragedy cannot happen again.”
The leaders of 50 charities and notfor-profit organisations belonging to the Alliance hope that by banding together they will hold Mr Johnson’s feet to the fire and force him to act.
Since 2010 the state has cut spending on adult social care by £86million despite a rapidly increasing demand due to an ageing population. Many pensioners face a postcode lottery.
The 2014 Care Act introduced a national system of eligibility but local variations leave many without aid.
There are now 1.5 million people aged 65-plus who do not receive help with essential tasks such as washing and cooking. And cuts in local care services leave unqualified, unpaid carers, like elderly spouses, to step in and plug the gaps.
One of the signatories, Jackie O’Sullivan, of charity Mencap, said: “Social care is far more than ‘care homes’. Many people rely on it to live independently and play a meaningful role in communities.
“In some cases, it is only a few hours a week to help them manage their household finances, shop or stay safe.Without it, people can end up in crisis. They shouldn’t have to worry about being reassessed all the time or having their care packages cut.”