19 Jun 2018

Delaying social care reform is unacceptable says VODG

VODG, the group that represents voluntary sector organisations, is disappointed the government has chosen to delay its long-awaited green paper, as outlined by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in his statement about NHS funding.

Responding to the announcement, VODG chief executive Dr Rhidian Hughes said:

“We welcome the new funding for the NHS and the efforts to join up services. But social care exists in its own right and the current focus on NHS reform must not be at the expense of overlooking community care. It is wholly unacceptable that once again government has decided to delay the green paper process.”

VODG’s True Costs report provided a stark warning to government that the chronic under-funding of social care must be reversed. The report demonstrates the consequences of failing to fund social care: rising levels of unmet need, workforce shortages and concerns about the sustainability, quality and quantity of services.

Rhidian Hughes goes on to say:

“Government is failing to heed warnings from the Care Quality Commission regulator about the sustainability of provision.

Action is vital. Millions of disabled and older people, and their carers, rely on essential social care services each day – we all deserve better.”