Proverbs 31:8 says, ‘”Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless,’ (GNT).
After watching Panarama’s programme on the social care funding crisis and seeing the terrible toll that it’s taking on vulnerable people struggling to survive day by day, and the social workers trying to help them, I wrote to my MP saying,
‘Did you watch Panarama programme this week? It showed the human tragedies behind closed doors of vulnerable people struggling to cope with inadequate help or support, because of the crisis in social care funding.
Included in that struggle was the compassionate Social Care Team at Somerset Council.
The UK is the world’s 6th richest economy, yet we’re letting vulnerable people suffer by not funding proper care for them.
An analysis by the King’s Fund shows that since 2010, funding has fallen by £700m, allowing for inflation.
Sir Andrew Dilnot answered a BBC question about why government doesn’t do anything about it by saying that it’s not in MPs post boxes – in other words, MPs are not raising it in the House.
This is a little plea to ask you to raise a shout in Parliament. I pay income tax and would be happy to pay the small amount extra that Matt Hancock has proposed.
By not funding social care the government knows full well that the burden on the NHS is increasing, as people are hospitalised after a fall, or when an illness that could have been handled at home becomes a crisis. The Association of Adult Directors of Social Care produced stats showing that social care funding saved the NHS £millions last year.
Please do challenge Parliament on this.’
He replied:
‘Yes I did, and I totally agree with what you say.
I am looking for an opportunity to raise this, and will let you know when I do.
Best wishes,
Nick.’
MPs need to hear from us! When there is more in their post boxes then perhaps deaf ears might be opened in places of power and influence.
