House of Commons · Westminster Hall
24 November 2022 · 1 other contributor · 6,110 words
Opened by Damian Green Con Ashford
Responding minister: Helen Whately
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Damian Green raised concerns about social care — [rushanara ali in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks the government to take wider action on social care, including conducting a full review of the system beyond just funding. He also calls for measures such as raising the minimum wage for social care workers, mirroring NHS 'Agenda for Change' pay scales, and promoting social care as a fulfilling career.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the underfunding and workforce shortages in social care. He cited statistics such as a shortage of over 165,000 vacant posts, with average vacancy rates nearly 11%, twice the national average. Additionally, he mentioned that rising energy costs could significantly reduce the number of services available, leading to more demand for professional social care services and potential quality reductions due to inflation.
Argued that social care is essential to a modern welfare state and economic infrastructure, highlighting the challenges of funding cuts, workforce shortages, and the need for better-paid staff. Emphasised the moral and economic case for investment in social care, calling for a 10-year plan for reform.
Government Response
Helen WhatelyI congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Ashford on securing this debate and thank him for his work as Chair of the all-party parliamentary group on adult social care. Social care is essential, employing around 1.5 million people and contributing £50 billion annually to the economy. The Government recognises the importance of social care, with up to £2.8 billion in additional funding announced in last week's autumn statement for 2023-24 and up to £4.7 billion in 2024-25, specifically for social care and discharge from hospital into social care. The funding will help social care afford extra costs and ensure more people can be discharged from hospital when ready, while also investing in workforce development, better data and technology, and increasing oversight of the social care system. Local authorities are set to receive substantial funding to retain adult social care charging reform over the period until 2025. The Care Quality Commission will lead the introduction of social care assurance at local authority level next year, giving more insight into the provision of social care. Integrated care systems (ICSs) are vital for joining up NHS organisations with social care providers and local authorities to ensure better care for those who need it most. We aim to address workforce problems by promoting adult social care careers through a new domestic national recruitment campaign, involving international recruitment to support near-term pressures on the workforce. Carers Rights Day recognises the importance of carers across the country, with the Health and Care Act 2022 giving them new rights, including involvement in public engagement and discharge planning. Respite services for unpaid carers are also supported by nearly £300 million of funding this year through the better care fund.