Experts call for social care reform

England's 'failing' social care system is in 'urgent' need of reform, according to a letter signed by more than 60 experts in the field.

The letter, published in the Daily Telegraph, says that the country's current system is leaving 800,000 older people 'lonely, isolated and at risk' and has called for the Government and Labour Party politicians to come to a cross-party consensus in order to secure 'urgent, fundamental and lasting reform'.

Government advisers, charity directors and independent experts, including representatives from the British Medical Association, Age UK and the TUC, have signed the letter which says that failure to cope with an ageing population was causing 'terrible examples of abuse and neglect'.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow told the Telegraph the Government is 'taking leadership on the issue', adding that the coalition Government considers social care reform to be an 'urgent priority'. 

He said: 'We have put an extra £7.2billion for social care over the course of this Parliament.'

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK says:

'Care is not a luxury service - it is critical to people's safety and wellbeing. It's time for radical reform so that we can ensure that all older people can access the support they need.

'The politicians have a brilliant opportunity ahead of them as they consider plans for the social care White Paper. We urge the Government and other party leaders to work together to ensure that reform is radical and sustainable. We must take this opportunity to create a care system we all can be proud of.' 

Copyright Press Association 2012

 Read the letter published in the Daily Telegraph