AFTER a generation of waiting, any hopes we had of new progress in social care have been swiftly dashed with the news that care of older and vulnerable adults has apparently been downgraded in importance.
The new Prime Minister has said she means to support the disadvantaged as she takes up the reins of Government, but the loss of a dedicated ministerial post for social care looks like a backward step.
In my view social care should have its own Secretary of State and not be looked after by a parliamentary under-secretary of state for community health and care, however able he is, in a directorate that also includes digital, technology and local government.
Everyone agrees that social care is going through a crisis due to chronic under-funding and the impact of the economic downturn. As it settles to the tasks ahead the Government needs to rethink this as social care needs to rise in priority, not fall.
Mike Padgham, Chair, Independent Care Group, Eastfield, Scarborough
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