Newcastle Labour has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to tackle the long-standing crisis in adult social care, following a major speech setting out his determination to put problem-solving ahead of political point-scoring.
Speaking at a care home, the Prime Minister called for a new approach to politics, urging parties to work together to deliver lasting reform to a system that has been neglected for decades. He confirmed he has invited the leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties to begin cross-party discussions aimed at building consensus on the future of social care.
The Prime Minister said that successive governments had failed to grasp the challenge, leaving carers, families and the NHS to shoulder the consequences of an outdated and overstretched system. He pledged to work across party lines to deliver a care system that provides dignity, security and the support people deserve.
The speech also marked the launch of the Big Conversation on Care, led by Baroness Louise Casey as part of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care. The nationwide engagement programme will invite people to share their experiences and help shape recommendations for a future National Care Service.
Leader of Newcastle Labour Group, Cllr Ged Bell, welcomed the Prime Minister’s intervention.
He said:
“For too long, social care has been treated as an issue that governments could put off until another day. That delay has come at a huge cost to older people, disabled residents, unpaid carers and families, while piling ever greater pressure on our NHS and local councils.
“The Prime Minister is right to say this is bigger than party politics. If we are serious about giving people the dignity and support they deserve, we need to work together and finally deliver the long-term reform that has been promised for decades.
“Here in Newcastle, we see every day the incredible work carried out by care workers and the difference good social care makes to people’s lives. They deserve a system that is properly supported, sustainable and fit for the future. Labour is showing the leadership needed to grasp this challenge, and we welcome the opportunity for people across the country to help shape the future of social care through the Big Conversation on Care.”