ECCA chief executive calls on Government to support "radical reform"

The English Community Care Association (ECCA) has set out the key goals it would like to see defined by the Government’s imminent White Paper on social care, which it hopes to subsequently see supported in Parliament in long-awaited care reform legislation.

Chief executive Martin Green wants to see three main principles championed by the White Paper: quality & efficiency; personalisation; and the promotion of independence.

Mr Green says: “We want to see radical reform which integrates under one budget, health and social care, and which makes sure the necessary funding is in place, used efficiently and directed to the services that promote well being and high quality care and support in accordance with people’s wishes.”

He goes on to say: “We want to replace the current fear and confusion around the social care system with a pride and positivity about the future both for those needing care and support and their families and those who work in social care, in conjunction with health housing and leisure services.”

Effective care reform legislation is seen as crucial in helping the UK to restructure services to meet the challenges of an ageing population, which is expected to see the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia double by 2050.

Martin Green concludes by praising the approach of care providers to a developing sector: “We believe the ECCA Vision is the right vision and puts the individual at the centre of his/her own care and support. Providers are leading on this challenge and expect the government to put in place the funding and frameworks to realise the vision of a social care system in which we can all be proud.”