What is one of the most pressing and urgent political problems we face? The need to sort out defence spending? The lack of trust in our democracy? Who to vote for at the next election?
All are important! But what about adult social care? How high is that on your list of priorities? It might be near the top if you’ve experienced trying to sort social care out for a loved one. But for others of us, I suspect it is just not on our political radar. I think it’s refreshing, therefore, that our new Prime Minister has made reforming social care his big political mission. He’s willing, or so he says, to spend a lot of political capital on it.
If he’s serious, then it will cost him. Currently, 1 million people receive publicly funded, long-term social care. Age UK estimates a further 2 million over 65 have unmet needs for their own care and support. Social care covers a wide range of activities that help older people, or those living with a disability or physical or mental illness, to live independently and safely. You might get help to wash and dress, and it can happen in people’s homes or in day centres of residential homes.
'Britain needs servant-hearted leadership'
Sir Keir Starmer is finished. It may not happen immediately. It may even drag on over the summer. But the …