10YR PLAN T0 SOLVE SOCIAL CARE ERRORS
MPs demand funded strategy to end crisis
MINISTERS must draw up a fully funded 10-year plan to tackle the social care crisis, MPs said today.
A Commons committee report added plans to unpick disastrous Tory health reforms could be derailed by the lack of a long-term strategy.
Its Tory chairman Jeremy Hunt expressed alarm at “glaring omissions” in a Queen’s Speech bill over care revamps and staff planning.
The ex-Health Secretary said No10 has an opportunity to deliver a “1948 moment for the health and care system, matching the significance of the year the NHS was founded”.
He added: “But if they are not, it will be a wasted opportunity to deliver the truly integrated care required by an ageing population.”
It comes after PM Boris Johnson was slammed when the Queen’s Speech devoted just nine words to social care.
He has again delayed proposals to overhaul the sector, despite saying he had a plan in 2019.
On Tuesday, the Mirror reported on a wife nursing her dying husband who hit out at Mr Johnson’s broken pledge to “fix” social care.
In its report, the Health and Social
Without funding, problems will not be solved
COMMITTEE REPORT ON CARE STRATEGY
Care Committee said: “Without secure, longterm funding, problems that have bedevilled the care sector over two decades will not be solved.” Mr Johnson said the Tories will unveil a 10-year plan this year.
Under the reforms, integrated care systems will be set up to boost links between the NHS and councils.
David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said a timeline is urgently needed from Government on when concrete proposals will be brought forward.
The NHS Confederation’s Daniel Mortimer added action was needed “to address the crisis in social care”.
The Department of Health was approached for comment.