Carers UK says social care debate must not be ‘drowned out’ by party political electioneering

Carers UK Chief Executive Imelda Redmond CBE said:

“The reform of social care is one of the greatest challenges our society faces in the 21st century. Our care system is crumbling as it struggles to cope with an ageing population and people living longer with disability.

Difficult decisions need to be made on how to fund the vital changes needed to deliver a fair, transparent and sustainable care system for the future. That requires a mature and sensible debate on how we face the care challenge as a society.

This crucial debate must not be drowned out by media soundbites and electioneering. It is particularly disappointing to see these difficult issues reduced to slogans and posters, and for care of older people to be associated with negative images of gravestones.

The carers and families we represent are struggling now and desperately need decent services and support. They will not accept social care becoming a party political football.

Carers UK look forward to the publication of the White Paper on Care and Support and we urge all political parties to enter into a considered and grown-up debate on this most profound of challenges.”