CIPFA Health and Social Care Policy Manager, Dr Eleanor Roy said:
“If there was ever a situation demanding strong words from a parliamentary committee, then it is surely that faced by the social care sector during the pandemic and its tragic consequences.
“The committee recognises what we have long been saying - that the social care sector was already on the back foot when COVID-19 emerged, as a result of years of underfunding and delayed reform.
“The urgent call for clarity on plans for reform to ensure the needs of social care are given as much weight as those of the NHS is extremely welcome. We hope the government will finally grasp the nettle and take the political and economic decisions required to ensure this vital sector is adequately funded, equitable and financially sustainable going forward.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
We also welcome the committee’s call for clarity on the costs of providing additional capacity in the NHS – both contracts with independent providers and the Nightingale facilities. Whilst these measures succeeded in their aims and were necessarily implemented at pace, consideration of the costs and value for money remain essential to ensure that they are put to best use in future.
View the report here.
About CIPFA
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. CIPFA shows the way in public finance globally, standing up for sound public financial management and good governance around the world as the leading commentator on managing and accounting for public money.