Social care reforms 'not thought through'
The government has not fully thought through the implications of social care reforms, according to a group of MPs.
The joint committee scrutinising the draft Care and Support Bill published a report today which warned that without greater integration with health and housing, and a focus on prevention and early intervention, the care and support system will be unsustainable.
It also said the country needs a nationwide campaign to educate people about paying for care.
The draft bill sets out plans for funding care in the future.
Paul Burstow, chair of the committee, said: ‘We need care and support to be more focused on prevention and more joined up with health and housing.
‘The government must take stock of its funding for adult care and support and think seriously about whether the transformation we all want to see can truly be delivered without greater resources.’
Jon Gooding, chair of the umbrella group Associated Retirement Community Operators, said: ‘Specialist housing has an important role in relation to an individual’s health and well-being.
‘The committee’s call for pooled health, care and housing budgets across the NHS and local councils could unlock an entirely new way of working and would allow all partners to really deliver for older people, now and in the future.’
