Target: Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in England
Goal: Address widening chasm between funding and social care needs.
England guarantees care and protection for children and for adults who are beset by challenges arising from disability, illness, poverty, or old age. Such commitment to community care has a long history in the nation and was the focus of one of its first Parliamentary acts centuries ago. But recent funding shortfalls and increasing demand are putting these important initiatives under a burdensome strain that could lead to collapse.
Critics are calling for urgent reform, including a change in the emphasis on local bodies, known as councils, that oversee and implement the programs. While advocates believe care for the elderly in particular should be free of charge, governmental changes have instead focused on raising the limits at which free care begins for individuals. And care homes are not even covered by the programs, putting even more financial stressors on people in need.
Sign the petition below to demand the country’s politicians go back to the drawing board to create a framework and foundation that supports instead of crumbles.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Streeting,
An estimated one-and-a-half million adults in England have health and care needs that are not being met. This outcome is not fulfilling the aims set forth by the National Health Service and Community Care Act, the National Insurance Act, the Care Act, and the other commitments made by Parliament towards social care over the decades and centuries. Councils cannot fix the problem. Citizens have pledged to do their part to ensure their loved ones receive care, even if sacrifices must be made. Unfulfilled and broken promises – as demonstrated by the absence of social care reform from recent political agendas — must end.
Most importantly, a clear and cohesive long-term funding plan must be crafted and coordinated at the national level. The people deserve a compromise and a system that works for them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ron Lach
