Welfare Response to CSCI State of Social Care report 27 January 2009 NEWS RELEASE For immediate use: 27th January 2009 RESPONSE TO CSCI STATE OF SOCIAL CARE REPORT PERSONALISTION AGENDA NEEDS A WELL FUNCTIONING MARKET CSCI’s report, The State of Social Care in England, adds weight to the Foundation’s call for the Government to act now to close the gap between the aspirations of the personalisation agenda and the reality of a growing number of self-funders left to fend for themselves in a complex and costly care system. Based on its recently published research, the Foundation has argued that a fairer and more personalised social care system can only emerge through reforms to create a well functioning market. Sue Regan, Chief Executive of the Foundation said: “CSCI’s report supports what the Foundation said in ‘Navigating the way’ – that without reform the system will continue to thwart many older people’s access to personalised services. The findings have also confirmed our view that improvements are simply being made too slowly. What’s frustrating is that there are no excuses for not reforming social care in the short-term, as much can be achieved within existing resources. Enabling the market for social care to work effectively is the only way to deliver choice and personalisation for everyone.” The Foundation’s report, Navigating the Way found that the social care market must be reformed and made investment ready before additional funding can be determined. Key reforms to create a more effective market include: A clear national framework: enshrining a national minimum entitlement that limits the current postcode lottery of care across the UK A new strategic role for local authorities: local authorities are best placed to oversee and stimulate local care markets A care navigation service and wellbeing assessment available to everyone: a first stop shop acting as a gateway to end confusion and uncertainty when care is needed These reforms will improve outcomes for everyone, but particularly for low earners: Low earners are today on the cliff-edge of means-testing – the majority are not eligible for free or subsidised care, yet their low incomes make care costs unaffordable today. Healthier markets will deliver more affordable care and better choice. A national minimum entitlement will end the confusion and unfairness currently experienced by low earners The report illustrates how real improvements can be made within existing resources. A funding settlement for the long-term remains essential, but this must relate to a reformed delivery model. /Ends For further information please contact Cara Brown on 020 7731 9143 / 07957 536758 cara.brown@resolutionfoundation.org. All the Foundation’s research, reports, briefings, seminar notes are available on our website www.resolutionfoundation.org Notes to editor: The Resolution Foundation is an independent research and policy organisation. Our goal is to improve the well-being of low earners in today’s mixed economy. We aim to deliver change in areas where this income group is currently disadvantaged by producing new research and engaging actively in the policy-making process. All of the Foundation’s reports including Navigating the way can be found at:http://www.resolutionfoundation.org/
