In the run up to the General Election, with the exception of the Liberal Democrats, the major parties’ plans for social care reform were largely absent within manifestos and where referenced, were lacking in detail.
The Labour Party manifesto committed to ‘ensuring everyone lives an independent, prosperous life’. It suggested that ‘deep reform’ was needed to move – in the long term – towards a National Care Service which focuses on supporting an aging population; integrating with the NHS; supporting adults with learning disabilities and shifting to a more preventative system.
Just a few weeks into the Labour Government’s administration, Ministers have asked people to remain patient on social care, promising that an announcement on its plans will happen ‘in a short period of time’.
Despite needing to wait a little longer, the new administration marks a significant shift in the UK political landscape. It also brings with it the opportunity to reshape the social care sector so that it is fit for the future. Let’s take a look on what the new government means for the social care and learning disability sector:
Workforce development
Skills for Care estimates that the social care workforce needs to expand by about 25% in the next decade to keep pace with demand, on top of the current 10% vacancy rate.
The sector has long struggled with workforce recruitment, retention, and training, and this has only been exacerbated since the pandemic. The new government has acknowledged these challenges and has committed to ‘professionalising the workforce’ by improving the status of skills of care workers.
As a first step the King’s Speech confirmed the introduction of a new Employments Rights Bill which will deliver on Labour’s long-held commitment to ‘making work pay’. This will be enforced by a new Fair Work Agency.
The Bill, which will be introduced within the first 100 days of this parliament, addresses several critical areas which will impact the social care sector and its workforce. This includes proposals to introduce a ‘genuine living wage’ which accounts for the cost of living, removing age bands that currently apply to National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage. It also includes strengthening employee rights and ending zero-hour contracts.
For the social care sector specifically, the long-promised Fair Pay Agreement will be brought forward. This will seek to establish national terms and conditions, training standards and fair pay rights negotiated by workers and unions.
Whilst we await details of the Government’s exact plans to develop comprehensive training programmes – another key part of its workforce development commitment – the aim is to create a stable, motivated workforce which can meet the complex needs of those we support.
Funding and investment
Funding remains critical, and the new government has promised to address the longstanding lack of it. This is course essential for delivering high-quality care.
Increased investment would lead to better facilities, more staff, and improved services for people with learning disabilities. It is hoped that proposals for funding and investment will be a core pillar of the Government’s much-anticipated plans, with close focus on whether the cap on care costs due to come into place next year will stay put.
However, within the Chancellor’s announcement to the House on 29 July regarding the state of the Government’s finances, Rachel Reeves scrapped the cap on social care costs due to be introduced next year as it could not be afforded. Instead, she indicated that Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting would be working with the sector to take plans forward to improve social care. Budget Day as 30 October is now firmly in the diary of those in the social care sector, with even more heightened hopes of better news.
Policy reforms and regulatory changes
The new government is also likely to introduce policy reforms aimed at enhancing the standards, quality, and accessibility of social care. These reforms may include new regulations to ensure higher standards and sustainability of care delivered, more rigorous inspection frameworks, and greater accountability for care providers.
For those in the learning disability sector, this could mean adapting to new compliance requirements and ensuring that all staff are trained and equipped to meet the high standards expected.
Amplifying voices
Within its manifesto, the Labour Party committed to ensuring people are treated with the care, dignity and respect they deserve. It indicated a clear shift in prioritising and amplifying the voice of people accessing support, as has been a key focus for us here at Achieve together through Unity and Campaign 4 Change advocacy groups.
Again, within the King’s Speech, the Government announced a new Mental Health Bill to ensure it aligns with contemporary needs and values. Of greatest relevance to the learning disability sector, the Bill will promote community-based support as an alternative to detention. Similarly, the Government is looking to strengthen voices by enhancing individuals’ rights to participate in their care planning – as we champion at Achieve together – and to make their own treatment choices.
What’s next?
While we wait a little longer, what’s already clear is that the new government brings both opportunities and challenges for the social care sector. As Minsters have already admitted, they have their ‘work cut out’.
The same can be said for social care providers, who will need to stay informed and be ready to adapt to the new opportunities and changes that will be coming down the tracks.
Despite this, we hope that the new policies will welcome in a new era for social care which is firmly on the Government agenda. Through investing in the sector, developing our workforce, and prioritising person-centred support, we can ultimately raise the standards and access of support being delivered to those who need it most.
We look forward to working with the new government, the sector, those we support and their families and team members, as we move towards what has the opportunity to be a brighter future for all.
