United Response chief executive Tim Cooper said:

“Does this paper fulfil the promise to ‘fix social care once and for all’? Unfortunately not.

“The small scale changes in housing, technology and employment schemes are much needed and very welcomed. As is the focus on innovation, which is a positive step towards more creative approaches to care and support. But the Government has fallen short on its promise to the country.

“Despite continued calls from the sector for local authorities to receive a fair funding settlement, the Government has failed to ensure that providers can be properly funded to ensure that frontline staff and managers are fairly paid.

The White Paper offers little to reassure that the immense workforce challenges will be resolved. Without adequate and immediate investment, it is hard to see how the future vision of social care will become a reality.”