Response to the green paper on adult social care

A spokesperson from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said:

JRF welcomes the green paper and is very supportive of its aims and focus. However, while a fair, sustainable and transparent funding system will be crucial, our evidence also shows that more funding is not the entire solution: cultural and value change are also required to transform the social care system.

And while cross-party consensus appears to be emerging on the importance of change, it remains to be seen whether there is sufficient political will to bring this about. Increased and inclusive public engagement in the big care debate will also continue to be vital.

As part of our response we are highlighting:

• four affordable solutions which would immediately put the current system of paying for long-term care on a fairer footing, ahead of the more radical reforms which are required;
• strong support from a national consultation of service users (organised with JRF support in October 2009) for general taxation as the preferred funding option, despite this currently being ruled out by the government in the Green Paper;
• the merits of the 'comprehensive' funding option with an element of compulsion, alongside a state care insurance scheme for younger generations; and
• fundamental issues that need to be addressed in any future funding system for adult social care, including fairness and equity, the role of women, inter-generational issues, and particular disadvantage experienced by specific groups.

We believe that any new social care system must be based on solid principles which protect choice, control, dignity and independence for citizens who need care and support. Urgent reform is needed to ensure the social care system can meet the demands placed upon it now and the increased demands of the future.