2023-05-23 10:59:51
‘Social care should not be an afterthought’ – Hft responds to Labour’s mission to create an ‘NHS fit for the future’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled Labour’s plans to ‘build an NHS fit for the future’, stating that “social care is definitely a priority” due to the intrinsic link between the two sectors. However, learning disability charity Hft says social care should not be an afterthought as it responds to the announcement.
Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft says:
“It is really positive to see that Labour’s plans for the NHS include reforming social care; social care is inextricably linked to our health service and the significant challenges we face. These challenges, particularly those relating to recruitment and retention, must be addressed if we also want the NHS to succeed.
“Last year, according to our Sector Pulse Check research, which we published jointly with Care England, staff shortages across the adult social care sector saw nearly one fifth of providers close services, impacting the ability of our sector to respond to those who need support.
“Providers overwhelmingly feel that increased staff pay would have the greatest impact on recruitment and retention, so it is reassuring to see Labour’s proposals for a fair pay agreement.”
She continues, “However, any arrangement for staff pay must be fully funded and ringfenced at the local authority level to prevent additional financial burdens on providers who are already severely stretched.
“At present, proposals for social care form just one short paragraph in Labour’s mission to ‘build an NHS fit for the future’. It is important that we are not considered an afterthought, nor a solution to the issues in the NHS.
“Rather, reform of the social care system must be given due time and consideration to ensure that it too, is fit for the future and can deliver for learning disabled adults for years to come.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
