What a shame that today’s Autumn Statement was completely silent on the crisis in social care.
Report after report over the past few weeks has highlighted that the care industry is at “tipping point” after being starved of cash for many years. Yet today the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement completely failed to address their calls.
At Prime Minister’s Questions earlier in the House of Commons, Theresa May focused on the social care precept that has allowed local authorities to raise 2% extra council tax for care this year. She also mentioned (again) the Better Care Fund. It became glaringly obvious her Government has no new ideas on how to fix the crumbling care system.
Jeremy Corbyn pressed the Prime Minister to ensure that social care was properly funded. This was vital, he said, to ensure high quality care for all. It was also vital to relieve pressure on NHS hospital beds, he added. Yet it appeared May had no real answers.
Don’t blame care staff for crisis in social care, Corbyn stressed
Mr Corbyn also made the crucial point that overstretched and low-paid care staff should not be blamed for failings in the care system.
This is something that bears repeating. After all, in many cases, their heroic dedication is what is holding the care system together.
Take a look at some of the regional winners in the 2016 Great British Care awards. You will read story after story about warmth, compassion and dedication against the odds.
People like Elizabeth Godkin of Morton Grange in the East Midlands. “Elizabeth stood out right from the beginning for her passion for care and the dignity for each and every person she looks after”, the judges said.
Or Audrey Appleby of the Woodlands Care Group in the North West. “Audrey is an inspirational lady who gives true meaning to person centred care. Everything she does is about ensuring that individuals are treated with respect, dignity, compassion and most of all love.”
Most carers do the very best job they can in difficult circumstances, often for very little pay. Mr Corbyn deserves praise for reminding us of this on what was a difficult day for all those who care about care.