Commenting on the Queen's speech, Morgan Vine, campaigns manager at Independent Age, said:
“The commitment in the Queen’s Speech to reform adult social care is welcome, but further detail is urgently required. The new government has a clear working majority which gives it the ability to make significant improvements to the social care system. Tangible solutions have already been put forward, including the introduction of free personal care.
“Cross-party consensus would reduce the risk of proposals failing to be implemented, but this can only be achieved if the plans themselves are fully comprehensive. The government must as a matter of urgency outline the decisive action it will take to improve the social care system. Older people and their families have waited more than 20 years to see the reform of social care in England. With every year that passes, increasing numbers of older people are going without the support they need, or are facing huge costs to access essential care services.
“It is clear from the new VISA proposals that the government has prioritised the need for more healthcare workers in the NHS. The social care system also has a workforce shortage. Without addressing this issue across both sectors, older people and their families will not get the care they need when they need it. It’s vital that the government quickly announces a long-term funding proposal and an appropriate workforce strategy. Independent Age believes that free personal care for older people must be part of that solution.”