Social care funding gap inquiry reopens

A group of MPs is to reopen its inquiry into how much money the government will need to spend over the next five years to bridge the funding gap in social care.

The inquiry by the health and social care select committee was paused in March to allow the MPs to concentrate on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

But it is now being reopened and the MPs will also examine what further reforms are needed to the social care funding system in the long term and how best to tackle workforce shortages.

‘Social care is in urgent need of reform, not only to deliver the necessary funding, but to support our crucial social care workforce,’ said committee chairman, Jeremy Hunt.

‘Never has this been more apparent than during the pandemic, as social care staff work above and beyond to protect our most vulnerable people in a hugely challenging situation, with difficulties compounded by historical problems with funding and workforce – we heard this loud and clear at our most recent evidence session,’ he added.

‘The committee is therefore today relaunching its inquiry into social care funding and reform, with slightly expanded terms of reference, and plans to begin taking oral evidence in June.’

The deadline for submissions to the committee been extended to Friday 5 June however given the constantly evolving situation, evidence will be accepted throughout the course of the inquiry.

Details on how to submit evidence can be found here.

Photo Credit – Derwiki (Pixabay)