Unpaid carers and those they care for rely on the social care system. However, for many this system is failing to deliver accessible, reliable quality care for the cared for person and support for unpaid carers to maintain their own health and wellbeing.

The reform of adult social care consultation provided an agreed pathway for transformation of social care services. However, whilst good work has been undertaken to further develop some of the proposals, progress to implement change has been very slow and to date has not resulted in tangible changes that would make life better for unpaid carers and those they care for.

It is essential the work of the social care collaborative forum moves at pace and is given ring fenced funding for transformation of social care services, including the development and implementation of a new carers’ strategy.