Letter: Resolutions for care of the vulnerable

Aside from the usual New Year resolutions about diets, saving money and stopping smoking – could we add some for the care of our oldest and most vulnerable citizens for 2017?

It feels as though we tried everything in 2016 but are no further forward.

So for 2017 can we make it a resolution to address the funding of social care properly and have a root and branch overhaul of the sector?

Could you stand as an MP or as a councilor to raise the issue from within?

It would also be great if we could have incentives for providers to join the social care sector or invest in the future of their businesses.

How about a VAT break to start with?

And as the independent sector provides the most flexible and cost-effective social care delivery, how about giving it greater involvement in decision making on the future of social care, within government?

Social care faces a £2.8bn shortfall and unless we do something urgently, 2017 will see the continuation of more people going without care, care homes closing and domiciliary care providers handing back unsustainable contracts or leaving the market.

We made a good start in 2016 and politicians started to take notice of a noisy river of protest.

In 2017 we have to turn that river into a torrent!

Mike Padgham,

chairman,

Independent Care Group

Eastfield House

Eastway, Eastfield

Scarborough