The Care England Manifesto; A Strategy for the Future of Long Term Care

Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has today launched its Long Term Plan for the independent adult social care sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says:
“Social care has been ignored by successive governments. Now a long term plan for adult social care is critical. There is no need for further consultation, review of Green Papers; the moment has passed. The sector is brimming with innovation, energy and commitment which needs to be harnessed by an incoming Government into a long term plan”.

The General Election will be held on 12 December and social care is fast becoming a ‘doorstep issue’. Care England’s Long Term Plan calls for the long term sustainability of the adult social are sector to be secured through an immediate £4 billion followed by a longer term plan to ensure the future sustainability of the sector. Unlike other sectors, social care has not received the funding necessary to meet the rapidly rising levels of demand that it has, and will continue, to see. http://www.careengland.org.uk/publications-consultations

Care England calls for fair funding, proportionate regulation and due recognition maintaining that quality care cannot be delivered on a shoestring. Recent research tells us that the majority of social care providers are increasingly pressurised and envisage having to close some part of their services in the near future. The creation of a long term funding solution is also interlinked with the development of an effective and motivated social care workforce, Care England will be holding its National Conference on 13 November entitled Workforce Matters.

Martin Green continues:
“The needs of England’s diverse and pluralist society will be best met by a mixed economy where quality care can be both maintained and increased. We urge providers to use this Long Term Plan to challenge their electoral candidates on their policies for the future direction of care including a well resourced and well trained social care workforce”.