Consultation response

Adult Social Care Reform: The Cost of Inaction- Cavendish Coalition evidence to Health and Social Care Select Committee inquiry

The Cavendish Coalition submission to the Health and Social Care Select Committee Inquiry on Adult Social Care Reform: The Cost of Inaction.

11 December 2024

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Adult social care plays a vital role in the UK economy, contributing £46.2 billion in 2018 and £50.3 billion in England alone in 2021 . However, the sector is facing significant challenges, including a very high rate of workforce attrition, with approximately 131,000 vacancies  in adult social care. This leads to gaps in staffing and inconsistent care for patients.

Carers frequently encounter financial challenges due to caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, the consequences of poor-quality care and associated litigation escalate costs for local authorities and the national government. Members of the Cavendish Coalition highlight the importance of social capital and community support networks, which could be leveraged to improve care outcomes. 

Investing in preventive measures and measuring their effectiveness is seen as key to addressing the challenges within social care. There is a need for a broader focus on economic performance, looking beyond healthcare spending to encompass the wider impacts of social care on society.

Without reform, there will continue to be avoidable hospital admissions, delayed discharges, and unsuitable care settings. Vulnerable groups, including looked-after children, young people with mental health issues, individuals with learning disabilities or neurodivergence, and ex-offenders, will remain at risk due to inadequate support.

The failure to address these issues not only impacts individuals and their families but also the wider economy, reducing GDP and contributing to rising cost-of-living pressures. Addressing the reform of adult social care is essential to improving care quality and the health of our communities, as well as reducing pressure on the NHS and local authorities, and supporting the broader economy.

Government focus on the social care workforce is an essential enabler of improvement.  The new government’s commitment to ‘Fair Pay’ for social care is an important first step but must be followed by investment and long term reform, as described in the Skills for Care Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care .