Lincoln Labour Party For The Many Not The Few
Social Care
Lets Change Things For The Better
Since 2010 Conservative governments have taken £7.7 billion out of social care budgets leaving 1.5 million older people in England without the essential care they need.
Adult social care is not just about the elderly. It supports the daily activities of those with physical, mental and learning disabilities and unlike the NHS, it’s not free at the point of use.
Everyone should have the right to access quality social care appropriate to their needs and Labour has been saying for some time now that this must be addressed as an urgent priority. The local elections are a great opportunity to put in Labour councillors who are willing to make much needed changes.
For Lincolnshire County Council, adult social care takes the biggest slice of the budget. Lincolnshire Labour understands the practical challenges and proposes effective solutions. For example, homes with access to extra care support, digital links to security checks and emergency aid in the home; things that promote independence and quality of life for our ageing County population.
County Care Staff Feel Undervalued
For Lincolnshire, as elsewhere, the biggest problem is recruiting and retaining undervalued and underpaid care workers. It is within the power of the County Council to solve that problem, yet consecutive Conservative led authorities have done nothing. A Labour-led council would offer additional training to improve the career prospects of care workers and lobby for an increased minimum wage to improve retention. Carers who know they are valued are more likely to provide quality care.
We Need A Plan For Future Pandemics
Good things must come from the pandemic. Lack of planned investment by consecutive Tory County Councils and increased outsourcing have undermined strategic responses to public health, ultimately costing lives. Care workers have proved to be vital frontline key workers and yet their pay and contract terms are terrible for the job they do.
We cannot refuse to invest in these essential services when the cost is fair higher in the long run if we choose not to. A fair and decent society puts respect at the heart of how we support the vulnerable and those who care for them.
A vote for Labour is a vote to make that happen and create a fairer future, one that recognises the true value of those we rely on most.