Our Response To The Prime Minister’s Speech

In response to the Prime Minister’s speech at the Labour Party Conference on 29th September, Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Community Integrated Care, said:

“The Prime Minister is right to put social care at the heart of the national conversation. His vision, set out today, of a person-centred, universal National Care Service that starts in people’s homes, values care workers and puts people before profit, and begins laying the groundwork now, reflects many of the principles that those of us in the sector have long called for.”

“For too long, social care has been treated as a safety net. In reality, it is so much more than just keeping people safe, it’s an essential infrastructure that supports millions of people to live independently, contribute to their communities and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. Backing this with a sustainable, long-term funding settlement would not only transform lives but strengthen the wider health and care system.”

“We particularly welcome the focus on person-centred care and the recognition that care workers deserve greater status and reward. Delivering fair pay, career progression and professional recognition for the social care workforce must be central to any reform programme.”

“As the debate moves forward, it’s vital that reform reflects the full breadth of social care. While discussions often focus on older people’s care, a National Care Service must also work for working age adults with learning disabilities, autistic people and others who rely on lifelong support to live fulfilling and independent lives.”

“This feels like a significant moment for social care. For the people we support, social care isn’t a political debate – it’s their life. We look forward to working with Government, the Casey Commission, partners across the sector, and crucially, people who draw on care and their families to build a National Care Service – championing the role of not-for-profit providers to help shape a system that is fairer, stronger and built around helping people live their best lives.”