Baroness Casey of Blackstock chaired a cross-party roundtable to discuss the work of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care,
The meeting, held in the Cabinet Office, was attended by a representative from each of the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, Green and Reform UK parties.
Baroness Casey updated party representatives on the work of the Commission and invited party representatives to share their views on their priorities for reform.
Baroness Casey of Blackstock said:
“I was delighted to bring together representatives from political parties today to discuss our shared commitment to reforming adult social care.
“I look forward to continuing to work with party representatives throughout the Independent Commission as we endeavour to shape a social care system that is fit for the future.”
Baroness Casey committed to continuing to involve party representatives at key moments in the Independent Commission’s programme of work.
So far, the Independent Commission has met with over 180 people including those drawing on care and support, national organisations and delivery or provider organisations.
Over the coming months, the Independent Commission will invite members of the public, people drawing on care and support and organisations to submit evidence and to share their stories and ideas for improvement of the existing adult social care system. Details of how the public can engage with this work will be set out by the Commission in due course.
In response to these talks, Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
“We’ve hit the ground running on social care and are delivering on our Plan for Change by legislating for the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for care workers, boosting unpaid carers’ allowance by £2,000, and investing £172 million in the Disabled Facilities Grant to fund 15,000 home adaptations.
“But there’s still a long way to go to guarantee dignified care for all. Our ageing society demands fundamental reform in social care which why the Prime Minister appointed Baroness Louise Casey to lead an Independent Commission on adult social care and build consensus for a new National Care Service fit for the 21st century.
“I thank Baroness Casey for arranging today’s meeting, and to cross-party representatives for putting politics aside to find a way forward. I am determined that this government will build a National Care Service worthy of the name.”
National Care Forum CEO Vic Rayner said:
“These talks are a positive step forward and we also welcome the confirmation that a programme of engagement is on its way so people drawing on care and support can put in their own words how this vital public service enables them to live the lives they want to live.
“It has been positive that over the summer our not-for-profit members have begun to engage with the Commission, and we have been struck by the desire of the team to listen and explore the landscape through stories and discussion. They have heard from our members, and the people they support, about the current pressures the social care and support sector is under and also the innovative approaches many are exploring around new models of care and technology. Members were pleased to host meetings on location, as well as join virtual discussions with CEOs and senior leaders. We remain committed to engaging in the work of the Commission and continuing to create opportunities for members’ voices to be heard.
“It is vital that cross party talks happen so that the future direction of this vital public service is underpinned by a set of commitments that transcend party politics. Social care is central to each and every community up and down the country, and we need to see a sustainable future that everyone can rely on. Social care matters to us all.”
