THE Government was today urged to speed up plans to overhaul care and support in the UK or risk placing thousands of vulnerable people at risk.
One of the leading voices in care and support, Rachael Byrne, expressed concern that the Government’s timetable for dealing with urgent funding issues would delay help reaching those who needed it most.
Ms Byrne, Home Group executive director of care & support, said that any delays would ultimately cost taxpayers more while having a damaging impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Home Group, the UK’s largest provider of care and support, helps more than 30,000 people each year with a range of issues ranging from mental health issues through to victims of domestic violence.
Ms Byrne said: “While I welcome care and support being included in today’s Queen’s Speech, it is a cause for concern that the Government plans this as a draft bill rather than full-blown legislation.
“The Dilnot commission recognised that the care system is broken and needs urgent remedy. Early intervention is essential both to improve the lives of the individual but also in delivering vast savings for the public purse. Let’s be clear – care can’t wait.
“Home Group was the first social housing provider to sign up to the Care & Support Alliance as we recognise the vital impact that the right care has for society’s most vulnerable. We will continue to lobby as part of this group for the vital role of care and support to be pushed up the political agenda.”