Council welcomes the government announcement on adult social care reform

Wiltshire Council has welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to reforming adult social care and securing a sustainable future for services that support some of the county's most vulnerable residents.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has outlined plans to create a system which meets the needs of older and disabled people, supports unpaid carers, and strengthens the care workforce. The announcement highlighted the need for a more integrated health and care system and a cross-party approach to tackling long-standing challenges in social care.

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: "We welcome the Prime Minister's recognition that adult social care reform is one of the most important issues facing our communities and public services. We look forward to seeing the detail behind the Government's proposals and understanding how they will be implemented and funded over the long term.

"Every day, care workers, social workers, occupational therapists and other dedicated professionals across Wiltshire provide outstanding support to some of our most vulnerable residents, helping people to live independently, maintain their dignity and remain connected to their communities. We have many unpaid carers in Wiltshire – people who give many hours to care for family members and friends. And there are people who contribute their time and kindness through the voluntary sector. We thank all of them for the vital work they do.

"Wiltshire Council alongside other local authorities has been managing increasing demand for social care alongside significant financial pressures for many years. Adult social care represents one of the largest areas of council spending and, while councils continue to work hard to deliver high-quality services, the current system is under considerable strain. Like many rural counties, Wiltshire is seeing growing demand for care and support as more people live longer and with increasingly complex needs.

“We know that helping people remain independent in their own homes and communities for as long as possible delivers better outcomes for residents and helps reduce pressure on health and care services. I have long recognised that our health and care services need to work as “one system.”

"Meaningful reform is needed to ensure that people can access the care and support they need when they need it, while also creating a sustainable system that works for residents, families, care providers and local communities. Improvements to how adult social care is funded and delivered has been promised by successive governments for many years so I particularly welcome the recognition by the Prime Minister that a cross-party approach is needed to implement the changes needed in the Casey Review, and with significant input from the public through “The Big Conversation on Care”.   

"We look forward to hearing more details and working together with Government, NHS partners and the care sector to help shape reforms that improve outcomes and value for the people of Wiltshire and ensure adult social care is fit for the future."