The Health and Social Care Committee delivers a clear and damning verdict: adult social care in England is reaching breaking point. The Committee warns that the sector is under severe strain, with chronic workforce shortages, lack of investment, and growing unmet need placing intolerable pressure on care providers and unpaid carers alike. Without substantial investment and immediate action, millions are at risk of losing care; the sector cannot wait until 2028 for proposed reforms; action is needed now.
The Committee’s report highlights that the adult social care system is reaching breaking point, despite taxpayers’ spend of more than £32 billion annually, for what the Committee has coined a ‘broken system’.
The report also points to a continued overreliance on 1.5 million unpaid carers, who are often left unsupported and overstretched. The Committee concludes that unless the government produces a clear, costed and fully funded implementation plan, current reform ambitions are at serious risk of failure.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:
“This report confirms the reality for millions of people across the country: the adult social care system is under immense strain and will soon prevent individuals at risk from receiving adequate care. Delaying reform until 2028 is simply not acceptable. The urgency of this crisis demands immediate attention – not further delays, while this report is welcomed, it emphasises what we already know. Every day without action places those who rely on care at greater risk.”
Now the Terms of Reference has been published by the Casey Commission, the time to act is now – the Health and Social Care Committee could not be clearer: adult social care is on the brink. Their warning confirms what the sector has been saying for years – and the consequences of further delay will be devastating. We cannot afford to sit back and wait for the outcome of the Casey Commission before implementing urgent reforms.
Professor Green OBE added:
“We welcome the Committee’s honest assessment of the state of social care, however, this must serve as a wake-up call. The Committee’s report shows we already know what the problems are. What we need is political will and leadership to fix them. The longer we wait, the deeper the crisis becomes – and it is those who depend on care who suffer the consequences.”
“How many more reports, inquiries or commissions need to confirm what care providers, unpaid carers and people who use care services already know? The system is stretched to its limits – and the longer we wait, the more lives are put at risk.” Professor Green OBE concluded.