Social Care

Proposes that the Government bring forward plans to reform social care, including addressing the funding gap and providing free personal care. Cites statistics showing daily denials of support by local authorities and inadequate quality in social care services.

Supports Keeley's call for action, highlighting the Equality and Human Rights Commission's legal challenge over inappropriate institutions housing autistic people and those with learning disabilities.

Suggests a German-style social insurance system as a basis for cross-party talks, though this suggestion is met with skepticism by Labour members.

Agrees that there can be no consensus until the underfunding of health services and local government budgets is acknowledged as a cause of the care crisis.

Emphasises poor pay and conditions for care staff, leading to high turnover rates and lack of training investment, impacting quality of care delivery.

Agrees that zero-hours contracts should be ended as they are detrimental to essential careworkers.

Highlights the burden on families and young carers, calling for more support from organisations like the Eastern Ravens Trust in Stockton.

Emphasised the need for a lifetime cap on social care costs, stating that without it, many more people will face catastrophic costs. Criticised the government's failure to introduce this measure after having legislated for it in 2013 but dropping it in 2016. Labour proposed free personal care as a solution and urged the government to invest further in stabilising the care system.

Introduced his amendment supporting the Government’s commitment to fix social care, highlighting that it is important to celebrate what is good about social care. Acknowledged demographic changes due to an ageing population and emphasised the importance of transforming the system beyond just funding.

Called for a single point of commissioning for health and social care, suggesting that the current system is outdated given demographic challenges. This would help improve efficiency in delivering care.

Questioned why there has been less money spent on public health, primary care, and community care under this Government despite the emphasis on prevention and support at home. Stressed the need for a focus on care in the community.

Challenged the Secretary of State's claim that life expectancy is rising, citing Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s report which indicates that it has stalled or even decreased in some areas for the poorest 10% of women.

Stated that while life expectancy is rising overall, there are parts of the country where this is not true. Reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring life expectancy rises everywhere.

Ms. Keeley questioned Mr. Hancock about the impact of a lack of social care on older people's life expectancy, particularly in deprived areas.

Mr. Gwynne interjected to suggest that figures might not be used because they do not suit the narrative.

Ms. Abrahams corrected Mr. Hancock, stating that healthy life expectancy is also declining based on her experience as a public health consultant.

Mrs. Johnson agreed with Mr. Hancock about the importance of focusing on quality of life in addition to longevity, which is good for policy progress.

Ms. McGovern asked Mr. Hancock to commit to publishing a distributional analysis of social care funding sources and beneficiaries.

Ms. Haigh mentioned her work with the all-party group on social care, focusing on professionalisation and workforce undervaluation issues.

Mr. Swayne inquired about why the Government resiled from legislating for Dilnot earlier.

Mr. Merriman suggested looking at Germany's social care insurance model as an example of cross-party consensus leading to effective policy implementation.

We should not be saying, “We have one answer, and we won’t engage on anything else”, but saying, “Here is an interesting answer, and let’s solve it.” We are committed to solving the social care problem in this Parliament. We will take difficult decisions and secure the future of social care in an increasingly older society.

Social care covers personal and practical help for those needing extra support, including children, young people, adults, care homes and unpaid carers. The Conservative manifesto lacks detail on funding social care without forcing individuals to sell their homes. Scotland invests more in social care with free personal care extended to under-65s, reducing delayed discharges and emergency admissions. Brexit poses a threat to the social care sector due to reduced EU migration and challenges for female carers exiting the labour market. The UK’s points-based immigration system will limit recruitment in social care roles, damaging Scotland's economy and public services. We need a separate Scottish visa or independence to protect our workforce.

We must realise and champion the skills of social care workers and recognise their contribution in looking after vulnerable people, regardless of earnings.

Regional variation is needed in immigration policy to support preventive spending. Unless the UK Government acknowledge this need, Scotland will face problems down the line. A separate Scottish visa or devolved powers are necessary.

The cost of care should not be met entirely by individuals or taxpayers but balanced between both. There is a strong argument for a cap on care costs as only £14,250 of capital is protected currently. Local authorities cannot plan their long-term finances due to the current system and providers face challenges in workforce and low rates from local authorities.

Local authorities are commissioning care from local providers and paying the rate that the resident incurs, which is pushing risk onto providers. There will be workforce challenges due to downward pressure on costs by local authorities and upward pressure on wages. The issue of long-term residential care needs more imaginative solutions, such as encouraging downsizing through tax incentives and developing retirement villages.

The council tax system discourages creating annexes for older relatives by charging double the rate if the relative passes on within two years. This is an issue that needs to be addressed to encourage people to care for their relatives at home.

Encouraging downsizing and managing housing requirements in old age can reduce burdens on the NHS. The tax system and incentives should be used to encourage families to manage assets collectively for elderly welfare. Local authorities need to look at working-age adults with complex needs and provide better upstream care.

The answer to workforce issues in social care is having a professional, well-paid, and well-trained workforce that can support people with complex needs in their homes. This would allow more people to live independently longer.

The right kind of housing solutions are crucial for social care challenges, and local authorities need to come together with the NHS to commission appropriate services. Investment in supported housing environments would enable more people to live independently.

To make our social care system fit for the future, we need access to good quality care for older and disabled individuals, support for families looking after their loved ones, and better-paid care jobs. Currently, 1.5 million older people lack basic help due to underfunding, which impacts NHS budgets negatively. Social care must be seen as part of our economic infrastructure akin to childcare.

The Secretary of State failed to adequately acknowledge the millions of unpaid carers in society during their speech. There is a need for better support for these carers, including financial and emotional assistance, as well as leave rights similar to those provided for childcare.

Devon has a high number of older people with unmet social care needs. There is already agreement that action is needed, but past reports and commissions have not led to concrete solutions. We need to define what 'good' looks like for the recipient of care, decide on necessary resources, develop training plans, evaluate existing infrastructure, integrate health and care strategies, and choose a funding model from those suggested in previous reviews. Short-term fixes include setting minimum funding levels by the Care Quality Commission and making local authorities accountable for both quality and quantity of care.

Mr Alex Cunningham supported his colleague's point about recognising young carers who provide personal care such as administering medication and assisting with basic needs. He emphasised the need for greater support and recognition of their role.

Ms Liz Twist reiterated her call for a long-term plan that prioritises quality care rather than just mechanical support. She urged the Prime Minister to present his proposed solution, stating it is crucial given the urgency of addressing social care issues.

Mr Damian Green supported the Government's amendment for seeking cross-party consensus on social care reform. He discussed the challenges in providing a fair and sustainable system, noting that while people agree more funding is needed, they often resist personal financial contributions. He proposed looking at pension reforms as a model, suggesting a universal care entitlement with local assessment but central government funding to ease local authority burdens. Additionally, he suggested introducing a voluntary care supplement akin to private pensions to provide peace of mind for future needs.

The Spinney care home in Brimington is facing closure due to Derbyshire County Council's decision, despite its good ratings and resident support. The council had a £5.7 million underspend last year but still proposed the closure, which I strongly condemn. Broader issues include austerity cuts of £5 billion over nine years and economic inefficiencies from inadequate care leading to increased hospital costs. There must be a systemic approach addressing GP shortages, nursing shortages, and carer job security. The issue extends to outsourcing care services inadequately, with Hillcare Group noting lower funding per resident compared to other areas.

Welcoming the new Care Minister and highlighting the cross-party consensus needed for reform. In my constituency, 30% of residents are over 65, illustrating the demographic challenge. Proposing a centralised system similar to Germany's social care insurance model, which requires individual contributions up to €138 monthly with employer matching, and retired people paying fully. The German system is popular due to its intergenerational fairness and risk-neutral structure, unlike debates in this country.

Responding to Huw Merriman, questioning his recollection of past political discussions regarding cross-party talks. Highlighting the need for ministers to follow through on promised cross-party talks about social care reform since October.

We must be honest with people that if we actually want to reform the social care system, we may need to ask people to pay more in. Most people do not realise they already have to pay for it through taxes; it is only when they access the service that they fully understand what it really costs them. The time to have this conversation is now because there will likely be no election for many years. We should work cross-party, but if consensus cannot be reached, we must use our ideas and principles as a Conservative majority to deliver reform. The most vulnerable and elderly lack dignity within the system due to insufficient funding, so we must enact reforms that have been talked about but not acted upon.

The Government's failure to address structural issues in social care is exacerbating the crisis. We need to professionalise and skill-up the workforce, which would create upward pressure on wages and reduce turnover rates. The fragmented provider landscape and outsourcing are key drivers of low pay, as evidenced by recent proposals from private providers to cut terms and conditions for former council workers. We must develop a sectoral plan with care providers and trade unions to address these issues and ensure that unpaid carers are properly recognised and supported. Until we start valuing all forms of care work, we will never have a system that provides the quality of care everyone deserves.

The value we attach to those who work in social care needs to be improved. Care workers are just as important as NHS staff and should feel valued for their hard work. The National Audit Office estimates that 1.3 million people work in social care, with an estimated need for an extra 660,000 careworkers by 2035 due to demand. Over a third of staff switch jobs or move out of the sector each year, making it difficult for families to rely on this service. While pay is clearly a factor, it is not the only one; we need professional structures, career development and appropriate reward systems.

Professional work deserves professional pay, not minimum wage which many care workers seem to be on. We must focus on the status of social care as a profession beyond training and qualifications, addressing the perception that it is low-skilled work.

This kind of relationship where people know those they care for saves NHS money by picking up problems early. This professionalism, dedication and care make the real difference not only to the person but for the wider NHS.

Agrees with the importance of social care staff and unpaid carers, highlighting the census data showing that one in ten residents in England and Wales are caring for disabled, sick or older relatives. Emphasises the need to support carers through funding and recognising their work. Mentions specific local examples of social care initiatives.

Critiques the Government's failure over ten years, pointing out that despite cross-party talks and independent studies, no significant progress has been made. Stresses the need for adequate funding to meet social care needs and improve the lives of carers and those receiving support.

Acknowledges Helen Hayes' proposition for a co-produced model of care integrated with health, housing, and community services. Suggests that the Government should learn from Scotland's progress in this area.

We have good-quality social care provision in Bury, ranked among the top in Greater Manchester. The local approach to health and social care integration has led to lower hospital admissions for older people, saving public funds. With £19.2 million from the Government, a local care organisation is established, integrating services through neighbourhood teams, avoiding duplication and focusing on preventive measures. However, lack of long-term funding solutions remains an issue, particularly in areas with faster-growing elderly populations like Bury. The national living wage adds pressure to councils' social care budgets due to higher pay rates for carers, exacerbating financial issues. Workforce recruitment and retention are challenges, especially as private provider sectors face oversight gaps. Temporary funding does not provide certainty; a long-term settlement is needed.

As a councillor in Luton, I witness the strain on local councils due to cuts in revenue support grants since 2010. Despite making £130 million in cuts and efficiencies, rising demand for social care is overwhelming resources, especially among vulnerable populations. The adult social care precept increase does not cover growing financial pressures; for instance, a 4% rise in council tax would only bring in around £3 million while Luton faces over £7 million in budget growth pressures. Councils are forced into unsustainable cycles of cost-cutting and provider changes due to funding shortages. The reliance on unpaid carers highlights the crisis faced by those providing essential care.

Pays tribute to older people who built the foundation for our society and criticises the use of terms like 'burden'. Discusses loneliness, isolation, and the importance of technology in connecting carers with those being cared for. Advocates for using data to connect dots and predict future needs to improve social care and prevent issues early on.

Discusses her experience running adult social care services in Battersea and as a serving councillor in Wandsworth Borough Council. Emphasises the need for community services to be part of the national care service, highlighting funding cuts and disjointed systems. Advocates for joining up NHS, social care, and voluntary sectors, with a focus on quick response times and culturally appropriate care.

Labour has chosen this debate as an important topic for social care, impacting all backgrounds across the UK. It is right to seek consensus and cross-party solutions rather than politicising it. The Government's positive steps include over £10 billion in additional funding since 2017 and the introduction of the social care precept. However, challenges remain with population growth, particularly among the elderly, and rising cases of serious conditions such as dementia. Social care affects not only the elderly but also working-age adults and children, local authorities spending equally on under-65s and over-65s. A long-term solution must avoid forcing vulnerable people to sell their homes for care costs. Initiatives like Lapis Care’s community care show can aid future planning and support individuals in staying independent longer.

The social care sector suffers from a fragmented provider landscape, leading to frequent failures. Privately owned care home operators have significant debt, with some paying out substantial dividends despite financial difficulties. A report highlights high levels of leakage through profits, rent and interest payments in for-profit providers. Funding boosts should be accompanied by meaningful reform moving away from failing markets towards a public sector ethos. Critical is producing a fairly rewarded and valued workforce, currently missing from discussions on implementing the NHS long-term plan. The care workforce needs a career structure reflecting its social importance; a comprehensive strategy is needed to combat recruitment and retention issues. Unison’s Care Workers for Change campaign calls for a real living wage and better working conditions.

Welcomed the new Minister, paid tribute to workers in social care services. Noted that this was his third time closing an Opposition day debate on the crisis, emphasised the lack of a plan from the Government despite promises made by the Prime Minister.

Thanked the shadow minister for his welcome, paid tribute to carers, social workers, nurses, friends, and family members. Acknowledged responsibility but also opportunity to make changes needed in the care system.

Invited the Minister to visit a care home in New Mills to see the challenges firsthand.

Emphasised the importance of recognising the role of care workers and the need for more people to choose care as a career. Discussed Government initiatives such as recruitment campaigns, workforce development funds, and statutory leave rights for unpaid carers. Also highlighted the high quality of care provided by social care providers.

Raised concerns about the pressures on social care, highlighting 120,000 vacancies and the need for over half a million more care workers within a decade. Suggested that the proposed points-based immigration system would be catastrophic for social care and asked for a separate route into social care to avoid further pressure.

Addressed the rising pressures on social care, citing current vacancies and future demand. Requested a meeting with the Minister to explore potential routes into social care that could address immigration concerns.