Elderly deserve more than Labour procrastination

LABOUR'S decision to delay a social care overhaul until 2028 - kicking the issue into the long grass once more by announcing an independent commission - is another devastating blow to a sector in desperate need of reform.

- Martin Jones

For years, social care has been in crisis and instead of taking decisive action, we are yet again subjected to more delays, more discussions, and ultimately, another report that risks gathering dust while the sector continues to crumble.

It compounds the frustration and disillusionment felt by those of us working in social care. The issues we face are urgent and well documented: a chronic staffing crisis, escalating costs, and increasing demand due to our ageing population. Delaying meaningful action for another three years isn't acceptable. The care sector has been at breaking point for years.

The independent providers who deliver 97% of home care services are struggling to cope with rising costs, staff shortages and inadequate government funding. Meanwhile delayed discharges from hospitals are putting the NHS under immense strain, costing millions and worsening health outcomes for patients.

DELAYING reform exacerbates these problems. Recent data from our New Ageing Index, revealed that 83% of those aged 66 and over believe urgent action is needed, not more reports or commissions.