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Responding to the publication of the Government’s white paper on adult social care reform, Cllr David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “This much-anticipated white paper sets out a positive vision for the future of adult social care and it is right that it has been co-produced with and alongside people who draw on care and support. It is also encouraging to see the Care Act is the foundation upon which these reforms will be built, particularly the emphasis on housing, greater recognition of the workforce and skills, and prevention

This insightful report on what social care directors are facing on the ground and what actions they want to see makes essential reading for government.

“The Spending Review and forthcoming white paper must set out how immediate and short-term pressures in social care will be addressed, involving councils, care workers and those with lived experience, if we are to build back better and develop a care and support system fit for the future.”

"We want to work quickly with government to clarify the details of the funding, including how it will be distributed and any guidance on how it must be used."

"Councils want to make sure that everybody who needs fuel can access it safely and swiftly. We encourage people to be considerate of our essential workers such as health and care staff, so they can get the fuel they need to do their vital daily roles caring for our older and most vulnerable members of our communities."

"The Spending Review must set out how immediate and short-term pressures in social care will be addressed, working with councils, care workers and those with lived experience to build back better and help develop a care and support system fit for the future"

The Government's social care announcement is an important 'first step', but further clarity is needed on a range of additional crucial issues. In the coming weeks, government needs to work with councils, their partners and those with lived experience, in order to develop a care and support system which is fit for the future.

“The forthcoming Spending Review is an opportunity to ensure that councils have the necessary funding to achieve real and lasting change for disabled people."

Councillors from across the country and political spectrum have called on the Government to give greater priority to social care and start committing more resources to it now.

Cllr David Fothergill responds to the Government’s decision to make vaccination a condition of deployment for anyone working in a CQC-registered care home in England for residents requiring nursing or personal care.