Government must not squander chance to put carers at heart of social care reform

Responding to the Government announcing details of an independent commission into adult social care, Carers Trust's CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said: 

"It’s great to see the first steps towards reform of social care laid out today. We’re particularly encouraged by the commitment to look at the breadth of social care and not merely social care charges, plus the appointment of Baroness Casey."

“The failure of successive governments to fix social care has moved an unbearable burden onto the shoulders of unpaid carers. There is a real opportunity to make changes that put carer voices and experiences at the heart of plans. This must not be squandered."

“However, there are significant and immediate challenges that cannot be ignored. As pressures mount on carers and the local services that support them, Government action to address financial strain, including the burden of National Insurance Contribution rises, on voluntary sector providers of social care can’t come soon enough.”