A new parliamentary group that brings together MPs from different political parties to look at social care, has been launched in Westminster.
The first task for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Care (APPG Social Care) will be to hold an inquiry into the care system, funding and state of staffing in the sector.
The inquiry is due to take evidence in the coming months because the government green paper on social care has been delayed.
The group is sponsored by GMB Union who represent many people working in social care and the first inquiry will be sponsored by care provider HC-One.
Tim Roache, GMB Union General Secretary, said:
Throughout our lives, we will all come into contact with care – be it our mums and dads needing help, working as a carer or knowing someone who does. Ultimately we will all need it ourselves.
Care workers do a crucial, professional job but are not paid, seen or valued as the frontline public sector workers they are.
Our care system right now is in crisis, it is crumbling beneath us because the funding isn’t there.
I’m proud GMB is supporting this new parliamentary group which will look at real lives and real situations, and will make evidenced-based proposals about what must be done in government to make sure are have a care system which values our care workers, and everyone gets the care and support they need.
Justin Hutchens, HC-One CEO, said:
Adult social care is increasingly part of the essential infrastructure of the society in which we live.
With an ageing population, it is vital that people who require support have access to sustainable, high quality and flexible services to help them live with the dignity they deserve.
HC-One welcomes this new parliamentary group in order to give social care the high profile it deserves, celebrate those staff who provide these essential tasks and point to where improvements must be made.
The current system is in crisis and we must move forward to ensure we all play our part in achieving the changes required.
You can find out more and join the GMB here.
Twitter: @GMB_union
Photo: GMB Union