Covid-19: Social Care — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]

Covid-19 has exposed the failings of social care, with over 30,000 deaths in care homes and people with learning disabilities six times more likely to die from covid. The Care Act easements led to cuts in care packages for many, leaving family carers to take on more unpaid work. Restrictions on visiting often failed to consider the damage isolation does to residents' wellbeing. There are 470 social care staff who died from the virus. Care staff remain underpaid and undervalued despite their heroic efforts during the pandemic. Unpaid carers were not mentioned once in the White Paper, which was taken negatively by carers' organisations who felt their efforts during the pandemic were unrecognised.

Urgent action is required to facilitate voting by people in residential care homes for the upcoming election. The past year has been devastating for care homes due to the pandemic, with a need for balance between safety and mental well-being through vaccination of staff and residents. Domiciliary care workers and unpaid carers should also be vaccinated. There is consensus that social care needs addressing, but funding remains a critical issue, requiring an additional £7 billion annually according to the Health and Social Care Select Committee. A career structure for care workers, integration with the NHS, and housing strategies are vital.

Commended the hon. Member for Dulwich and West Norwood and his right hon. Friend for securing this debate. Highlighted the impact of restrictions on care home visits during the pandemic. Noted that less than one in five people will use social care services during their lifetime, but it consumes around 70% of local authority budgets. Emphasised the need to look at international models and find a long-term financial solution for sustainable funding. Cited variations across London boroughs regarding council tax precepts. Stressed that local authorities should lead in managing social care due to their success in joint working arrangements with the NHS.

Praised the dedication of care workers during the pandemic, highlighting staffing shortages and funding issues. Suggested a need for sustainable funding and a comprehensive social care workforce strategy to improve pay and conditions.

Reminded Members about changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements, including timings of debates and suspensions between them. Advised physically present Members to clean their spaces before using and leaving the room, and reminded all Members that masks should be worn in Westminster Hall.

Discussed the impact of the pandemic on social care users, staff, families and communities. Highlighted high death rates in care homes, particularly for people with dementia and learning disabilities. Criticised inadequate PPE provision and low pay for care workers. Called for better support for unpaid family carers and community-based services. Emphasized the need to transform society's approach to aging and disability.

Paid tribute to care staff for their hard work during the pandemic, highlighted that Scotland faced similar challenges as England and Wales with regards to care home deaths. Mentioned that Scotland has achieved almost complete vaccine uptake among care home staff without making it compulsory. Emphasized measures taken by the Scottish Government to support social care workers, including a £5 million mental health network for wellbeing and psychological support.