We Respond To The Appointment Of The New Prime Minister

Following the appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister today, we welcome his recognition that social care must be treated as a national priority and call on the new Government to turn that ambition into practical action. 

In recent days, the Prime Minister has described social care as one of the “big things” politics has neglected. This recognition is welcome, but it must now be matched by clear commitments, sustainable funding and a strong focus on the workforce. 

Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Community Integrated Care, said: 

“This is a significant moment for the country, and it is welcome that social care has been recognised as an issue needing real national focus. 

“In his first words as Prime Minister today, Andy Burnham spoke about putting ‘the care of people’ at the heart of everything government does. That principle resonates strongly in social care, where supporting people to live the lives they choose is the purpose that drives us every day.

“The focus now has to be on turning that ambition into action. That means valuing care workers properly, funding services sustainably, and making sure reform reflects the full breadth of social care, including support for people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with complex needs. 

“Social care has waited too long for meaningful change. We need bold action that supports the workforce, strengthens services and gives providers the confidence to keep delivering person-centred support to the millions of people who rely on it across the country. 

“We are ready to work constructively with the new Government and partners across the sector to help build a fairer, stronger, and more sustainable future for social care.”