commentsThe Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
4
th
May 2012
Dear Prime Minister,
Social care is in crisis – the system is chronically under funded and in urgent need of reform. Without
this, too many older and disabled people will be left in desperate circumstances: struggling on alone,
living in misery and fear.
The system is a lottery – some of us will be lucky enough never to need care, but many of us will need
support at some stage in our lives to carry out everyday tasks and could lose everything – our savings,
our dignity, our independence. We agree with your comments in March that action is needed to
reform a system which can currently leave people helpless, in the dark about their care and suffering
massive losses as a result of care bills.
We see the devastating impact of years of failure to reform. The right care and support can enable
older and disabled people to live independent and fulfilled lives – but we currently face a vicious circle
where limited resources are focussed on only those with the very highest of needs. This only worsens
the crisis in care as many older or disabled people are left without support - in quiet desperation, trying
to cope alone, often ending up in hospital or crisis care. Families are paying the price too, as
experienced staff are forced out of work to care for relatives, and many carers pushed to breaking
point caring for loved ones.
There is widespread and increasing support for urgent reform - from across society and the political
spectrum. That is why we are calling on you to take forward social care reform as your personal
mission, your legacy to future generations. Without this leadership, we fear the fundamental and
lasting change needed cannot be delivered.
We recognise that it is not an easy task, but it is achievable. The reports of the Dilnot Commission and
the Law Commission have set out a roadmap for the funding structure and legal reforms that together
will help to produce a fair and sustainable system. As the Government prepares to publish a White
Paper on social care and progress report on funding, it is essential we bring together all those who can
play a part in creating a better care system for the future and help to ensure this year marks a turning
point for care.
We firmly believe that the care challenge we face requires all of us to pull together, and we stand
ready to work with you to secure the changes we need. That is why we are calling on you to personally
convene a care summit in advance of the White Paper, to bring together all parts of Government along
with public service leaders, local government, charities, providers, community groups, unions and the
business community. Whilst we know decisions, particularly on the funding of care, will be difficult;
they must be made now - older and disabled people and their families cannot wait and will not accept
delay or half-measures.
We want disabled and older people and their families to be able to live without fear of what tomorrow
might bring. We are asking you as Prime Minister to show the vision and courage to make this a reality
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
4
th
May 2012
Dear Prime Minister,
Social care is in crisis – the system is chronically under funded and in urgent need of reform. Without
this, too many older and disabled people will be left in desperate circumstances: struggling on alone,
living in misery and fear.
The system is a lottery – some of us will be lucky enough never to need care, but many of us will need
support at some stage in our lives to carry out everyday tasks and could lose everything – our savings,
our dignity, our independence. We agree with your comments in March that action is needed to
reform a system which can currently leave people helpless, in the dark about their care and suffering
massive losses as a result of care bills.
We see the devastating impact of years of failure to reform. The right care and support can enable
older and disabled people to live independent and fulfilled lives – but we currently face a vicious circle
where limited resources are focussed on only those with the very highest of needs. This only worsens
the crisis in care as many older or disabled people are left without support - in quiet desperation, trying
to cope alone, often ending up in hospital or crisis care. Families are paying the price too, as
experienced staff are forced out of work to care for relatives, and many carers pushed to breaking
point caring for loved ones.
There is widespread and increasing support for urgent reform - from across society and the political
spectrum. That is why we are calling on you to take forward social care reform as your personal
mission, your legacy to future generations. Without this leadership, we fear the fundamental and
lasting change needed cannot be delivered.
We recognise that it is not an easy task, but it is achievable. The reports of the Dilnot Commission and
the Law Commission have set out a roadmap for the funding structure and legal reforms that together
will help to produce a fair and sustainable system. As the Government prepares to publish a White
Paper on social care and progress report on funding, it is essential we bring together all those who can
play a part in creating a better care system for the future and help to ensure this year marks a turning
point for care.
We firmly believe that the care challenge we face requires all of us to pull together, and we stand
ready to work with you to secure the changes we need. That is why we are calling on you to personally
convene a care summit in advance of the White Paper, to bring together all parts of Government along
with public service leaders, local government, charities, providers, community groups, unions and the
business community. Whilst we know decisions, particularly on the funding of care, will be difficult;
they must be made now - older and disabled people and their families cannot wait and will not accept
delay or half-measures.
We want disabled and older people and their families to be able to live without fear of what tomorrow
might bring. We are asking you as Prime Minister to show the vision and courage to make this a reality
