At BCOP, we’ve been supporting the #SpeakUpForCare as the General Election approaches, so we’ll be posting here about the future vision for social care from the main political parties.
You’ll find more information about #SpeakUpForCare and how to vote in the election here.
Liberal Democrats social care focussed manifesto
The National Care Forum (NCF), the organisation that represents social care providers that are not for profits, welcomed the strong stance on social care from the Liberal Democrats, published on Monday, 10th June.
Read the full Liberal Democrats manifesto
Vic Rayner OBE of NCF commented: “For the first time we have seen a major political party thinking social care first when launching its election manifesto. The vision with which the Liberal Democrats’ manifesto is framed should help a lot of people to see the positive impact care has on improving lives for individuals and wider society. This makes a welcome and refreshing change to how care has previously been positioned as an endless series of
issues to be kicked around and ultimately dismissed.
“As well as pledging to introduce free personal care for older or disabled people at home, the Liberal Democrats have also outlined much needed support for the care workforce, including a workforce plan, improved pay and better recognition and career progression. This ambition aligns with our calls for measures that start to create parity of esteem for care workers when compared to their NHS colleagues and establishes care as a career to be pursued like any other.
“It is also good to see the Liberal Democrats with a future-focussed ambition on the use of tech in care that realises that the development of advancements in digital, data and innovation relies on embracing the experiences and voices of people who draw on care. We hope that with the Liberal Democrats having shone such a strong light on social care, making the potential it holds for society front and centre of their campaign, both Labour and the Conservatives come out of the shadows with something equally as bold. Silence or a limited focus on care from either party would certainly be a misstep at this stage.
“It’s vital that people drawing on care are given the opportunity to add their perspectives to election manifesto announcements. We are working with our members to gather together the reactions of people they provide care and support to which will provide a strong indication of where parties are doing things right and where others are falling short.”
Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity added: “At the Care Workers’ Charity, we are pleased to see a manifesto that prioritises social care. A wage for care workers that is above the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and a professional body for care workers are issues on which we have campaigned for a long time. Care workers do amazing work every day supporting the lives of other people. Seeing the social care workforce on this manifesto gives us hope that politicians finally recognise the importance care workers and their contributions to the society.”
Conservative manifesto leaves social care in the shadows
The National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit social care have responded to the publication today (11th June) of the Conservative party election manifesto.
Read the full Conservative manifesto
Vic Rayner OBE commented: “Disappointingly this Conservative election manifesto leaves social care firmly in the shadows. Despite the millions receiving care, the 1.6 million working in care and the estimated 10 million unpaid carers, the detail about social care stretches to a meagre 13 lines in the printed document, and no mention whatsoever in the PM’s speech. The main thrust involves restating the previously promised, and repeatedly delayed, cap on care costs and workforce reforms as featured in the ‘People at the Heart of Care’.
“Announcements surrounding the reduction in National Insurance seem particularly ironic in relation to social care, where less than three years ago, increases in this very tax had been presented as the lifeline to address all the challenges facing social care. Roll forward a budget or two, and instead of increasing this tax, the political ambition centres around removing it altogether.
“It is of concern that the proposals to reduce taxes seem predicated on a pledge to make £12bn worth of cuts to welfare and benefits, which often represent a fundamental support to people who are receiving care and support. Whilst the policy intent may not be focussed on this cohort, the rhetoric surrounding this has the potential to negatively impact people with learning disabilities and/or autism and those with physical disabilities – many of whom access benefits in order to work and live independently.
“The only new and welcome measure that shows even the slightest acknowledgement that there are urgent pressures in system, is the pledge to give local authorities a multi-year funding settlement. We need to see more detail on this.”
She concluded: “It’s vital that people drawing on care are given the opportunity to add their perspectives to election manifesto announcements. We are working with our members to gather together the reactions of people who draw on care and support which will give a strong indication of where parties are doing things right and where others are falling short.”
The National Care Forum (NCF) – the leading association for not-for-profit social care has responded to the launch of the Labour party manifesto on 13th June.
Read the full Labour manifesto
Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of NCF commented: “Labour’s vision for a National Care Service and Fair Pay Agreements are core ambitions for a future government. They provide a central framing for reform which, if implemented, could place the needs of people who need care and support, the care workforce and the wider sector at the heart of communities.
“However, there is real concern that the urgency for reform is not picked up in this manifesto. An incoming Labour government should be under no illusion that this is an agenda for the here and now, not for a future parliament.
“The Labour leader has made much of his desire to serve others in his pitch to the country about why he should be PM. Everyday millions of carers, paid and unpaid, embody the concept of service in the crucial work they carry out. Care and support is a powerful tool which supports people back into work, prevents illness and sickness, promotes independence and empowers people to engage fully with their communities and wider society. All of this helps tackle socio-economic inequalities and drive sustainable, and fair, economic growth.
“Labour has hinted at their vision, but we now need it to come into the light with clear details around implementation and resourcing. This must also recognise the vital role that unpaid carers play.
“If Labour really wants change, we need urgent action to create not just a National Care Service, but in reality, a National Core Service. We call on Labour to think social care first because great social care enables people to live the lives that they wish and must be at the heart of any government focused on growth and prosperity for all.”
