Social care reform - latest news
The Government failed to commit to laying down full social care legislation in the Queen's Speech in May 2012. Instead, it will publish a draft Bill, meaning at least a year's delay in reforming a broken care system. The Care & Support Alliance is planning a summer of action to push the Government to do the right thing, without any further delay.
We understand that the Government will publish a White Paper on social care sometime after 11th June 2012. This will include the headlines matters to be addressed in the draft Bill, which will be published shortly afterwards. The Bill will stop short of tackling the thorny issue of how care will be paid for. The Department of Health web site sets out the main elements of the Bill.
Action for Advocacy signed open letter to the Prime Minister, along with 78 other charities. The letter called on the PM to show leadership on social care and convene a summit to start to tackle the care crisis. The Care & Support Alliance requested a reply by the end of May and plans to convene a summit itself if the PM fails to act.
Barbara Keeley MP came third in a ballot of MPs in May for the introduction of a Private Member's Bill . Barbara is keen to introduce a social care Bill.
A summer of action of action is being planned that will provide resources and facilities to help you to lobby your MP. Providing case studies illustrating problems with the care system being tackled by advocacy services are a powerful way to influence the public and politicians. Whether you have media ready service users or anonymous stories, please send your case studies to e-mail Phil.
The Department of Health will hold a consultation and engagement exercise following publication of the Bill. It is important that advocacy services use this opportunity to influence the Government.
Don't forget Action for Advocacy's briefing Social care reform: the case for advocacy if you are contacting your MP.
Article published:2012-05-30
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