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Baroness Casey has highlighted the significant shortcomings exposed by the recent Covid inquiry report concerning social care. The inquiry, released last month, characterized the care sector’s role during the early phase of the pandemic as being treated like “something of an afterthought,” which contributed to the virus spreading rapidly through care settings.
Speaking at a conference of social care leaders, Baroness Casey described the inquiry’s conclusions as “so awful” and “a national shame.” She criticized successive governments for their inaction, stating, “Successive governments have been asleep at the wheel. We’ve got our heads in the sand.” Her forthcoming recommendations, focusing specifically on services for older adults and people with disabilities, including care homes, are expected to be published next summer.
In addition to the report, Casey’s commission recently revealed research indicating that England stands out internationally for lacking a “clear system of stewardship” in social care, unlike nations such as France and Germany. She highlighted that the social care market is largely controlled by private providers and criticized the regulator, the Care Quality Commission, likening its role to that of “a spectator at the site of a car crash.” The research underscored disparities in care experiences, noting that two individuals with the same condition could receive very different care depending on their location, due to variations in assessment procedures, waiting times, and levels of support. Furthermore, it found that people funding their own care—where social care remains means-tested—are typically charged about 40% more than the prices paid by councils coordinating care.
Although the Casey commission was established under the Starmer government, Andy Burnham’s recently appointed prime minister has emphasized social care as a top priority. Regarding the future, Baroness Casey expressed optimism, saying, “Together, we can build a new settlement for care,” founded on values she believes are widely shared across the country: “decency, contribution and a duty to care for our neighbours, our loved ones and ourselves.
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