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The Communities and Local Government Select Committee has published a report calling for major reform of social care funding and provision.

Responding to the committee’s findings, Richard Humphries, Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund, said: ‘This report emphasises once again that the social care system is underfunded and is letting down older and disabled people, their families and carers. While the extra money announced in the recent Budget was welcome and will make a short-term difference, it does not provide a long-term solution.

‘This means it is vital that the Green Paper due later this year sets out a radical vision for the future of social care and a sustainable funding settlement. Crucially, the government must follow through by implementing the long-term reforms that are so badly needed. Too many previous governments have said the right things but then failed to deliver – this government must have the courage to break the mould.

‘A starting point for this should be the work of the Barker Commission on the future of health and social care which recommended a new settlement for health and social care and put forward options for paying for this. It is encouraging to see some of the Commission’s recommendations echoed in this report.’

Notes to editors: 

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The King’s Fund is an independent charity working to improve health and health care in England. We help to shape policy and practice through research and analysis; develop individuals, teams and organisations; promote understanding of the health and social care system; and bring people together to learn, share knowledge and debate. Our vision is that the best possible health and care is available to all.