17/11/2022
Commenting on the Autumn Statement, the Chair and Co-Chair of the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care, Dr Anna Dixon MBE and the Rt Revd James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle, said:
"The Commission has placed values at the heart of its work, making the case that access to, and funding of, social care must be universal and fair.
"While we welcome the commitment to additional funding for social care in today’s statement by the Chancellor, it will do little to address the overwhelming levels of unmet need of disabled and older people, or the financial pressures of inflation on local authorities and care providers who are already on the brink of bankruptcy."
"Whilst the decision to delay the introduction of the cap on care costs until 2025 frees up much needed funding to meet immediate needs, it leaves the Government without a clear plan for the future of social care. Social care reform must be prioritised so that we all have access to care and support to live an abundant life and enable the National Health Service and social care to work properly together.”
Notes
Over the last 18 months, the Archbishops’ Commission on Reimagining Care has sought to develop a radical and inspiring vision for care and support, drawing on Christian theology, tradition and values. The Commission’s final report will be published in January 2023, setting out what needs to change for us to become a society in which people, regardless of age or ability, are supported to live a full life.