The King’s Fund responds to government social care reform package

The King's Fund to the press notice issued below by DHSC regarding the funding package for social care reform:

In response to the announcement from the Department of Health and Social Care on the funding package for social care reform Sally Warren, Director of Policy at The King's Fund said:

‘These measures are a dim shadow of the widescale reform to adult social care that this government came into office promising. Demand for social care is at a record high, levels of public dissatisfaction have slumped to a new low and staff vacancies have never been higher. 
 
‘When social care trends are going in the wrong direction, it is short-sighted for government to row back on what was already minimal funding and limited efforts to reform and improve social care in areas such as housing, technology and supporting the workforce. It is especially disappointing to see given the government’s previous commitments to “fixing” social care once and for all.
 
‘These revised steps towards “reform” will do little to radically change the system and, at best, are the bare minimum needed to stop it from collapsing. The impact of no credible plan in the context of the current pressures, will be felt by the millions of people who need care and support to live their lives, their carers, and those working in the sector.'

Notes to editors

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The King's Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.