James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, has welcomed a new national drive to reform adult social care, highlighting the importance of creating a system that provides security, dignity and support for people across Rushcliffe.
The government has announced plans to begin a wider conversation on the future of social care, bringing together voices from across the country to help shape long-term reform, as well as accelerate Baroness Louise Casey’s Review by 12 months with a full report due next summer.
For many families in Rushcliffe, social care is a deeply personal issue. Whether it is supporting an older relative, helping someone remain independent at home, or ensuring carers have the support they need, a fair and sustainable care system is vital for communities.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said:
“Too many families have experienced the challenges of a social care system that has not worked as well as it should for too long. People deserve to know that, if they or their loved ones need support, they will be treated with dignity and receive the right care at the right time.
“At the 2024 general election, we committed to creating ‘a National Care Service, underpinned by national standards, delivering consistency of care across the country’. The government has confirmed the first adult social care Fair Pay Agreement in England, backed by £500 million in government funding, but it’s clear that we must go further and quickly.
“I welcome the focus on listening to people’s experiences and finding long-term solutions. This is a complex issue that affects communities across the country, including right here in Rushcliffe, and it is important that people’s voices help shape the future of care.”
The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, led by Baroness Louise Casey, is launching a public conversation to hear from people about the principles and values they believe should underpin the future of social care.
Baroness Casey of Blackstock said:
“For too long, we have been stuck in the same cycle: crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care, and their families, bear the brunt.
“Fixing adult social care is about far more than money. People are already paying for failure through council tax, pressure on the NHS, their savings, giving up work, and the forced sale of their homes. The choice is whether we keep putting money into a system that is unfair, unpredictable and broken, or have an honest conversation about how to build something better.
“That is why we need a public conversation on care that tackles the tough questions. It’s only by facing up to this problem together that we can fix social care once and for all.”
Residents will have the opportunity to share their views and help inform recommendations on how the system can better support people, families and carers.
James Naish added:
“Caring for loved ones can be both rewarding and challenging. Families and carers want a system that works for them, and I hope as many people as possible take part in this conversation. Over 270,000 people contributed to the Change NHS public engagement exercise before the 10-Year Health Plan was published – let’s make sure this response is equally strong.
“Getting social care right is about ensuring people can live with independence, confidence and dignity, whatever their circumstances.”
Residents can share their views through the Big Conversation on Care, being run by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Big Conversation on Care is being delivered by Baroness Louise Casey as part of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care.
- The public can take part through the online platform: https://caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/
