Carers brief chairman on system’s problems

THE needs of “forgotten” carers must be at the heart of sweeping reforms to the crisis-hit social care system, the leader of a national commission has been told.

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Baroness Casey with chief executive Luke Bramhall during a visit to the Newcastle Carers Centre in Byker yesterday

Baroness Louise Casey met with carers and support staff in Newcastle yesterday, as part of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care she is chairing.

The commission will report to Sir Keir Starmer on how to create Labour's promised National Care Service and overhaul a “broken” system faced with escalating demand, spiralling costs, and an immense strain on unpaid carers.

During a visit to the Newcastle Carers centre in Byker, Baroness Casey said she believes that the Government is “deadly serious’ about delivering the reforms pledged in its manifesto.

The crossbench House of Lords peer spoke to carers and staff at the Shields Road centre, which provides support for people caring for someone due to illness, disability, mental ill-health, or addiction problems.