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SCIE responds to the general election outcome

5 July 2024

Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), responds to the general election results of a new Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer:

As the new government settles into office and begins to make good on their manifesto commitments, none are more important than securing a sustainable social care system, placing us on an equal footing with the NHS.

The scale and diversity of social care and support is immense with the value of our sector being underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic. This value must now be recognised in action. More people are requesting support, but fewer are getting the help they need. With demand increasing, local authorities do not have the money to meet it and staff numbers are not keeping pace.

We need to empower people with choice, control and independence to lead fulfilling lives. This is what we want for ourselves, our families and loved ones. But we know this does not happen everywhere.

The last Labour Prime Minister recognised that there was ‘no easy solution’ to social care’s problems. We hope that the incoming Government will grasp the nettle and put social care reform at the heart of their ambition. The sector has worked hard to come together, with consensus emerging around ideas that will change lives for the better and build strong local communities.

A social care system fit for the 21st century is in the national interest and the formidable challenges facing the social care sector cannot be a justification for inaction. The cornerstone of future policy change ought to be co-producing solutions with people with lived experience, their families and carers, as well as care providers. Only an inclusive, collaborative approach will improve the efficacy and sustainability of any policy change.

I would like to congratulate Sir Keir on his appointment to the post of Prime Minister and look forward to working with him and his government on shaping Labour’s plans for a National Care Service. We look forward to the King’s Speech which represents a real opportunity for recognition and commitment to the change our sector needs.

Kathryn Smith
Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

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