Jeremy Hunt outlines plans for social care reform

Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt has outlined seven key principles to social care reform, which are expected to form part of the government’s Green Paper this summer.

In a speech to health and social care workers on Tuesday (20 March), Hunt revealed that quality and safety would be embedded in service provision; integrated NHS and social care systems; more control for those receiving support; a workforce that feels valued; better support for families and carers; a sustainable funding model; and greater security for all.

A cap on costs for people requiring social care could also form part of the reforms.

The MP set out plans for a 10-year workforce strategy to get the NHS and social care organisations to work better together. He also announced a pilot scheme to guarantee users of adult social care are given a joint health and social care assessment and care plan.

In response to the speech, Janet Morrison, Independent Age chief executive, said: ‘These principles for a new social care system are what we have been crying out to hear, but these words need to be backed up with far more detail and action.

‘As the Health and Social Care Secretary suggested earlier today, it is a cause for regret that care has worsened because it has been politicised, so we’re calling on all politicians to look beyond party politics to urgently create an integrated health and social care system that ends antiquated, siloed practices and is one where older people can thrive, not just survive.’