We are now well into Spring, the season in which the White Paper for social care reform is supposed to be released. Speculation is rife about when it will actually be published and if the issue of funding will be tackled head on.
Recent announcements by the Care Services minister, Paul Burstow, suggest the most we can expect is a White Paper outlining proposals for reform based on responses to the Caring for our future consultation, and a progress report responding to recommendations made in the Dilnot Commission report.
If this is the case, the issue of how we pay for elderly care will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future, and responsibility for making an inadequate system work in the best interest of elderly and vulnerable people, will remain solely with health and social care services.
Alongside this, is the new Health and Social Care Act, which promotes greater integration between the NHS and social care.
Collaboration and integration in commissioning will be required, and it is gratifying to see examples throughout the West Midlands of where health and social care services are ahead of the game. ADASS will continue to support these initiatives and engage with NHS colleagues.
Peter Hay
Strategic Director
Adults and Communities
Birmingham City Council
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