Councils urged to back National Care Service to fix 'broken' system

Unison has called on councils to back its campaign for a National Care Service to fix the broken social care system.

(c) Georg Arthur Pflueger/Unsplash

(c) Georg Arthur Pflueger/Unsplash

By supporting its motion, Unison said councils will not only be showing their support, but will be urging the Government to follow through on its manifesto commitment to create a national care service.

Unison head of social care Gavin Edwards said: ‘Social care has been ignored and neglected for years. People who rely on care cannot live the life they want because the system is broken.

‘Care workers have been denied a fair deal. That's why so many are leaving for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

‘By backing a National Care Service, councils would improve support for local people in need.'

Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘Councils are ready to help build a society in which adults of all ages are best able to live the life they want to lead, but this requires proper funding and support for adult social care. A 10-Year Plan is essential to ensure health and social care work together to help people and communities thrive.

‘We urge the Government to work closely with councils on a fair pay agreement for care workers, a fully funded workforce strategy, and reducing reliance on costly agency staff.

‘Any reform must value adult social care in its own right, not just as part of the NHS, and focus on prevention and early support to improve wellbeing. The LGA and councils should be essential partners in designing a National Care Service from the outset, ensuring it works for everyone who relies on care and support.'

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