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King’s speech: Labour turns a blind eye to social care needs

King Charles has outlined the Prime Ministers legislative programme for the next four years, including plans to reintroduce the Mental Health Bill. However, authorities seem to have forgotten to implement plans to reform social care.

One of the major electoral issues, reforming the NHS is high on the new Labour government’s agenda going into its first few months of power. 

people near Big Ben in London

Having already hinted that the government want to tackle the NHS crisis, yesterday it was confirmed that Labour will be re-introducing the Mental Health Act, providing carers will better pay and slashing NHS wait times. However, whilst a number of social care experts have claimed this is a step in the right direction, omission of any direct policies about how the care crisis will be tackled has cast concerns that this government will follow in the steps of others. 

Below, we hear from a number of industry professionals who have voiced their opinions on what was said regarding social care on behalf of the government yesterday.  

Jody O’Neill, CEO and Co-founder of Curam: ‘The omission of any mention of policies to improve the social care system in the King’s Speech…is a disappointment for the millions who rely on it and are facing endless waiting lists and delays . It is a shame that the National Care Service featured in Labour’s manifesto is not an immediate priority for the government.

‘Without an action plan that addresses current chronic underfunding for local councils, lack of trained, vetted Care Professionals, and productivity losses throughout the health sector, the goals to improve the NHS that were featured are not viable.

‘Sir Ed Davey has called for a cross-party approach to social care, and we agree that this must be prioritised. The social care issue must be tackled with a technology-driven mindset, applying innovation to make the care sector more streamlined and effective. The result of this, when done well, will be more affordable and accessible care that gives Care Professionals the treatment and reward they deserve.’


Ali Gunn, Head of Policy at United Response: ‘Progression in fair pay for the social care workforce and reforms to the Mental Health Act are key steps forward in showing support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

‘It is essential that in the current context of local authorities failing to meet social care provision, the devolving of powers to local council authorities must work in alignment with investment in innovative new ways of delivering care to meet changing needs.

‘Let’s see this backed up by an Autumn Budget that prioritises working with experts to change the narrative and realise the potential and future of social care.’


Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE): ‘[The speech] was a recognition of the scale of the task at hand for the new government. Solving social care will not be an easy or quick mission, but positive steps forward were taken in acknowledging the imperative to succeed in realising this mission.

“The commitment to fair pay for care workers is a hugely positive step forward in recognising the vital role they play in supporting people in need and for stabilising the social care sector. Care staff must at last be seen for what they are, a pool of highly skilled professionals.

‘A fair pay agreement will go a long way to tackling the urgent and longstanding workforce crisis, not least by creating greater pay parity with NHS equivalent staff. Pay is a crucial part of making people feel valued and recognised whilst giving them the assurance and security that there is a long-term career in care. But the agreement must be exactly what it says on the tin: fair. More details will be needed to clarify how the policy will be implemented, how it will be funded and who benefits.

“The commitment to modernise the Mental Health Act is long overdue and will bring the legislation into the 21st century. Putting more power in the hands of people and placing them at the centre of decisions about their care is vital. With the end in sight, we now need the government to co-produce the next steps with those who draw on care and support to ensure the ambition of improved treatment becomes a reality.

‘We look forward to working with the government to help deliver on future plans for the social care sector.’

Image: Heidi Fin

More on this topic:

Will Labour’s victory finally address care needs?

Reaction to Labour’s plans to slash NHS wait times

Emily Whitehouse
Writer and journalist for Newstart Magazine, Social Care Today and Air Quality News.

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