LGA Launches Major Consultation On Adult Social Care

The Local Government Association (LGA) is launching a conversation and engagement series with councils, sector stakeholders and people with lived experience on the role of local government in a future reformed system of adult social care.

‘Care where we live’ – a series of webinars, in-person events and an online interactive conversation platform – will invite views on a number of key issues on the future of adult social care including the role of councils in social care delivery, inhibitors and enablers of reform, the model of care, and how best to ensure people get the support they need.

The voices of local authorities, sector stakeholders, frontline workers, and people with lived experience of care and support, as well as the general public, will inform the LGA’s collective input to the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Casey.

As the largest commissioners of adult social care in England and the public bodies with associated statutory duties, councils are at the forefront of adult social care and have a central role to play in reforming the future of adult social care and then delivering those reforms.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Adult social care should matter to all of us. Even if we do not use social care today, most of us will either need it, support someone who does, or rely on the communities it helps sustain. At its best, it helps adult of all ages do the things that matter most to them.

“But for too long the system has been underfunded, understaffed and complex to navigate rather than preventative and truly focused on outcomes which support and improve people’s wellbeing. This engagement with the Casey Commission is our opportunity to take a long-term, system-wide view and build our collective voice on the key issues of adult social care.

“Local authorities are ready to play their part of shaping a sector with a sustainable future that ensures everyone who needs to draw on care and support, can do so when and where they need it.

“As the national voice of local government this engagement is a major priority for the LGA and we are committed to forging a position that is cross-party and consensual.”