Responding to the publication of the Health Committee’s report on Social Care‚ Hilary Evans‚ Age Concern and Help the Aged’s Head of Public Affairs‚ said:

“With the debate on social care raging‚ the publication of this report is extremely timely. In the midst of the political bickering it serves as a reminder that millions of older people and their families are being let down by a crumbling care system that is in desperate need of reform.

“The report’s assertion that there is still time to reach a political consensus for the long term is welcome but we are increasingly concerned that unless urgent action is taken things will only get worse for today’s older people. The chronic under-funding of the system is widely accepted so it is disappointing that the report shies away from making short-term funding suggestions to increase quality and ease access.

“The time has come for all parties to set out how they will work together to achieve real change for older people in need of social care‚ now and in the future.”