May 2021
Just nine words about our sector: “Proposals on social care reform will be brought forward.”
OSJCT response to the Queen’s Speech 2021
Her Majesty devoted just nine words to the crisis-hit sector at the State Opening of Parliament: “Proposals on social care reform will be brought forward.”
No firm plan or timescale for the reform of adult health and social care or details on overhauling funding for the sector have been unveiled in any of the 28 bills announced in today’s speech.
Dan Hayes, Chief Executive of The Orders of St John Care Trust said:
“We are beyond disappointed by the lack of concrete commitment to adult health and social care reform in today’s Queen’s Speech. The brief reference to bringing forward social care reform leads to the question, Where is the clear and directive plan for social care reform we were promised in 2019?
“We would urge government to not allow internal disagreements on funding to derail the urgent need to reform our sector.
“Failure to act now will create just as big a negative legacy for those in power, as the positive one that would be brought about by a fair system, funded properly, and treating its workforce with the reward and recognition it deserves. In short, a social care system that fits with our status as a world leading economy and with our values in respecting the old and the vulnerable in our society.
“Government should not underestimate the will of the electorate both in being willing to be part of an enduring solution, and in it’s demand for change now.
“This is not about affordability, it is about choice, and after what the sector has been through, the choice should be an easy one.
“We will lobby MPs and councillors to speak up for social care reform in Westminster, on behalf of their local constituents and the country’s increasingly elderly population.”
Dan concluded: “Whilst we welcome that The Health and Care Bill will improve oversight of care commissioning and give legal footing to Integrated Care Systems, none of these change the big questions around fairness, how families pay for care and how providers in the sector will be adequately funded in order to offer the high quality services which we all desire for our elderly loved ones.”