Commenting on Prime Minister, Andy Burnham’s speech on adult social care today, Kisharon Langdon’s Chief Executive, Richard Franklin, says:
“The Prime Minister’s announcement today is significant in recognising both the urgency of reforming social care and the vital contribution of the workforce that supports millions of people every day.
At Kisharon Langdon, we support people with learning disabilities and autistic people in the Jewish community to live independent, fulfilling lives. We know that high-quality, person-centred social care transforms lives, and agree with the Prime Minister that it depends on a skilled, dedicated workforce which is nationally undervalued.
The commitment to bring forward Baroness Louise Casey’s review and accelerate plans for a National Care Service is an important first step, and Kisharon Langdon has already submitted evidence to the Casey Commission on the challenges we experience in adult social care. It is essential that any reforms are shaped by the experiences of people who draw on care and support, their families and specialist providers, ensuring that personalised support remains at the heart of the social care.
We welcome the focus on improving pay, training and career progression for social care staff. A more rewarding and professionally recognised career pathway is essential to attracting and retaining the talented people our sector needs, particularly in London, where workforce pressures, imbalances with the NHS, and the cost of living present significant challenges.
It is encouraging to see a commitment to working across political parties on an issue that has been left unresolved since the Sutherland Commission almost 30 years ago. Delivering lasting reform will require sustained collaboration, long-term investment and difficult decisions, but the prize is a social care system that is fairer, more resilient, and better able to support people to lead the contributing lives they choose.
As these proposals develop, we urge the Government to ensure that people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and the organisations that support them, have a strong voice in shaping the future of social care. Getting this right is not only about reforming services; it is about creating a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
