Cross-party social care parliamentary group launched to tackle care crisis

An All Party Parliamentary Group on Social Care (APPG Social Care) has been launched to examine the care system, funding and the issue of staffing.

The new parliamentary group was launched at Westminster to tackle a care sector that is 'in crisis'. MPs in the APPG include Norman Lamb, Damian Green, Barbara Keeley, Louise Haigh and Gillian Keegan.

Tim Roache, general secretary of the GMB Union, which is sponsoring the APPG, said: “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.”

The inquiry will take evidence in the coming months as the sector waits for the long overdue government green paper on social care.

The green paper's publication has been repeatedly delayed and was previously expected last July. It is intended to cover the quality and safety of care services, greater security for those requiring care and a sustainable funding model for social care supported by a stable market.

Care minister, Caroline Dinenage, told MPs earlier this month, that the green paper would be published at the ‘earliest oppportunity’ and would contain ‘a number of different funding options’.

The first inquiry of the APPG will be sponsored by care provider, HC-One, which runs over 340 care homes in the UK.

Its chief executive, Justin Hutchens, said: “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.”

click here for more details or to contact HC-One