Responding to today’s King’s Speech Ali Gunn, Head of Policy at United Response, said:

“Progression in fair pay for the social care workforce and reforms to the Mental Health Act are key steps forward in showing support for people with learning disabilities and autism.

“It is essential that in the current context of local authorities failing to meet social care provision, the devolving of powers to local council authorities must work in alignment with investment in innovative new ways of delivering care to meet changing needs.

“Let’s see this backed up by an Autumn Budget that prioritises working with experts to change the narrative and realise the potential and future of social care. “

Angie’s sister has a learning disability and is supported by United Response, as someone who formerly worked for the NHS and has been directly affected by the lack of a social care plan from government, Angie said:

“I want to see my sister’s support workers given pay parity with the NHS staff and to raise the profile of social care roles. I want to see them receive a pay structure that recognises the level of responsibility and the knowledge and skills required of them.

The uncertainty causes people like my sister and me and other families sleepless nights when we worry services may no longer be able to provide the care because councils are not providing enough money for that care.

“Care work needs to be given the status it deserves and needs in order to be valued and for the people cared for and their families to feel that they matter and are valued.”