Realism over funding required for comprehensive social care reform

Responding to social care reform proposals from The Fabian Society, Nuffield Trust Deputy Director of Policy Natasha Curry said:

“The proposals set out by the Fabian Society are a welcome nod towards phased and realistic comprehensive reform rather than the tinkering around the edges the sector has constantly endured. It rightly recognises that real social care reform will require strong national leadership and meaningful engagement with the public, and co-production with service users and carers.

“Far too often social care reform has been framed around the costs rather than the benefit and pivotal role it plays in a functioning society. A lack of political will and the absence of a long-term funding approach has stalled progress to put the sector on a sustainable footing.

“Funding and workforce are pressing priorities within this blueprint, which if adopted by Labour would require a serious plan for how these needed changes are funded. While the report suggests moving away from a reliance on local taxes, it does little to set out a firm alternative.

“Proposals to address pay and conditions present a potential starting point to help keep valuable care professionals but realism about the difficulties and complexities in implementing and enforcing them is needed.”