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World Social Work Day — [Derek Twigg in the Chair]
18 March 2021
Lead MP
David Simmonds
Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
Con
Responding Minister
Not recorded
Tags
Benefits & WelfareChildren & FamiliesLocal Government
Word Count: 8047
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
David Simmonds raised concerns about world social work day — [derek twigg in the chair] in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.
Key Requests to Government:
Simmonds called on the Government to ensure that social services are properly resourced and joined-up with healthcare systems to meet residents' expectations. He also expressed a wish for greater understanding of what social workers do in order to contribute to an informed debate about their importance.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
David Simmonds highlighted the crucial role of social workers in supporting vulnerable individuals across various stages of life, from children to adults with learning difficulties and elderly people. He cited research indicating that fewer than one in five residents will ever come into contact with social care services throughout their lives, emphasizing how important it is for society to recognize the work of social workers despite this low visibility. Simmonds shared personal experiences from his time in local government, showcasing transformative changes brought about by good-quality social work practices and lamented the challenges faced when intervention comes too late.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Ms Lewell-Buck criticised the Government's attempts to deregulate children's social care services, highlighting past efforts in 2017 and 2019 that were met with cross-party opposition. She mentioned a statutory instrument from last year which removed protective legislation for children during the pandemic, despite efforts to scrap it. Nearly 80% of social workers have reported increased concerns about safeguarding vulnerable adults and children due to lack of early intervention support.
Janet Daby
Lab
Lewisham East
Janet Daby highlighted the long-standing pressure on children's services, emphasising the underinvestment and undervaluation of social work roles. She recounted her seven years as a social worker, noting how bureaucratic demands increased while time with children decreased. Daby stressed the importance of valuing and investing in social workers to improve service quality for children and families.
Liz Kendall
Lab
Leicester West
Ms Kendall thanked social workers and highlighted the extra pressures they face, including burnout from years of budget cuts. She mentioned a survey showing that more people need help but it is harder to get due to lack of early intervention during the pandemic. In Leicester, social workers have felt isolated working from home and undervalued compared to other services. Ms Kendall focused on three issues: tackling rising poverty, particularly child poverty; addressing the issue of people with learning disabilities still in hospital settings; and bringing forward long-term plans for reforming social care.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Commemorated social workers during World Social Work Day, highlighting the challenges faced by the sector due to budget cuts and staff shortages. Raised concerns about the impact of these issues on vulnerable communities and called for a rethinking of the approach to social work.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.