A green paper on care and support for older people will be published by the government by summer next year.
This was announced last week by the First Secretary of State and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Damien Green, who stated that the paper would outline government plans to tackle the challenge of the ageing population and proposed improvements to care and support provision.
With an aim to reach a sustainable care solution which will work on a long-term basis, the government have already started to engage with stakeholders, independent experts as well as users, in order to ensure that the paper’s content reflects the wide range of views on the issue. By gathering a variety of opinions, the government hopes that any reforms proposed will be representative of a wider audience, and in turn, alleviate the current care crisis.
The suggestions put forward will build on the £2 billion already set out to meet social care needs, stabilise the market and relieve pressure on the NHS.
Commenting on the purpose of the paper, Damian Green stated: “An ageing population needs a long-term solution for care, but building a sustainable support system will require some big decisions. In developing the green paper, it is right that we take the time needed to debate the many complex issues and listen to the perspectives of experts and care users, to build consensus around reforms which can succeed.”
Following its scheduled publication next year, the green paper will then be subject to a full public consultation.
