Green paper delay “disappointing”

Social workers will be disappointed with the news this week that the Department for Health and Social Care is delaying the release of its social care green paper until autumn, says BASW England manager Maris Stratulis.

“It is incredibly disappointing that the social care green paper has been delayed. It makes one question the government’s commitment to invest, support and strengthen the social care sector and address the needs of vulnerable adults, carers, families and communities,” says Stratulis.

“Local Authority leaders, practitioners and users of services and carers are openly talking about the crisis in social care funding and the impact on the quality of services delivered and received.  

“The timing of this announcement is not helpful, and we fully support our colleagues in ADASS and across the sector on this important issue.”

Stratulis adds: “As BASW set out in our position statement on the green paper, social workers will continue to do their utmost to support adults and carers. However, we urgently need government to address the issue of sustainable funding for social care so that people who need support can be confident they will receive it.”