‘A chance to fix social care challenges’ – Leaders urge people to have their say in landmark review
26/08/26
Leaders of Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have urged people to have their say in a landmark review which aims to fix the country’s adult social care challenges and help create a National Care Service.
The ‘Big Conversation on Care’ gives everyone in England the opportunity to have their say on the future of services.
It follows warnings that the adult social care system is broken and change is needed now.
Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council leader, said:
“Since 1997 there have been 22 attempts at reforming adult social care. They have all failed because the choices, particularly around funding, were seen as too challenging. The Big Conversation asks people what they want and expect from a National Care Service and how the country should pay for it.
In Babergh, more than a quarter of our population are over the age of 65 compared to the national average of 18.5% and that proportion will grow over the coming years but more of the social care budget is moving away from the elderly to working age adults who have long term health conditions. Both groups rely on a patchwork of services and their families. An increasing proportion of your council tax will go to pay for social care. Councils and Central Government must work together to achieve radical change.
Adult social care impacts everyone at some point in our lives. It is a complex system that is difficult to navigate. This is your chance to tell Government what you need and want to see in the future. We must all take this opportunity.”
In Babergh, more than a quarter of our population are over the age of 65 compared to the national average of 18.5% and that proportion will grow over the coming years but more of the social care budget is moving away from the elderly to working age adults who have long term health conditions. Both groups rely on a patchwork of services and their families. An increasing proportion of your council tax will go to pay for social care. Councils and Central Government must work together to achieve radical change.
Adult social care impacts everyone at some point in our lives. It is a complex system that is difficult to navigate. This is your chance to tell Government what you need and want to see in the future. We must all take this opportunity.”
It is being undertaken by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, also known as the Casey Commission and led by Baroness Louise Casey.
In addition to members of the public submitting their views via an online platform on the Casey Commission website, the campaign will seek the views of people who work in adult social care and those unable to take part online.
Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, said:
“I really welcome the government bringing forward the date when the Casey review of social care will report its recommendations. With Local Government Reorganisation on the horizon here in Suffolk, it’s the perfect time to work towards joined up delivery of services. Not only between the new authorities, but with our medical and local care providers too.
We have a great opportunity to help shape future services and make it fit for purpose for the next generation – so I encourage everyone to engage with this big conversation on the future of social care.”
We have a great opportunity to help shape future services and make it fit for purpose for the next generation – so I encourage everyone to engage with this big conversation on the future of social care.”
