The ‘Care and Support’ policy Green Paper launched last week by the Government sets out a vision to build the first National Care Service in England. 

As the UK population ages the demand for care services is increasing. For the first time ever there are more people over the age of 65 than there are under the age of 18. In 20 years, it is expected over 1.7 million more adults will have a need for care and support each year. 

The Green Paper lays out the choices for the future direction of services. Radical reform is necessary so that care can be high quality and cost-effective whilst also offering flexibility and fairness.

Michael Foster MP now wants local people to join the debate on social care:

“We are proposing a radical reform of care - this is the vision for a National Care Service. More of us are living longer – thanks to medical science life expectancy is going up. This is worth celebrating but means we need to radically change the way care is provided and paid for.

“We need a system that’s fair, simple and affordable for everyone. A system that gives excellent care wherever we live and whatever our needs.

“Everyone will come into contact with the care system at some point – whether it is ourselves or our families and friends. The National Care Service must be shaped by the people who will use it so we want everyone to tell us what they think. Everyone should join the Big Care Debate today.”

To view the Green Paper and contribute to the debate log on to www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk. Leaflets with specific consultation questions will also be distributed via GP surgeries, pharmacies and other outlets. These can be sent back to the Department of Health freepost.