Ealing Liberal Democrats have welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to open cross-party talks on reforming England’s social care system, saying lasting change will only be achieved with support across the political divide.
Mr Burnham has invited the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to talks as part of plans to overhaul social care, alongside an independent review led by Baroness Louise Casey. The prime minister has said cross-party agreement will be essential to tackling long-standing problems in the system.
The Liberal Democrats say carers should be at the heart of any reforms and that everyone should be able to access care regardless of their means, without being forced to sell their home or use up their life savings to pay for care.
Ealing Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health and social services Councillor Andrew Steed said: “Various governments have attempted reform in the past but have backed off, fearful of the political implications. It will not be easy but we need to persevere and agree to disagree on some points. However, we cannot go on as we currently are.
He added: “We need to get a better deal for carers, for people who need care and for all the families affected by the social care crisis. Social care costs currently form a huge proportion of council tax in all local authorities. The costs are ever rising. Other services suffer but at the same time, despite the best efforts, social care provision is unsatisfactory.
“Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for reform, and we welcome the opportunity to help shape change.”
