On Friday 10th November 2023 the National Audit Office published its report, Reforming adult social care in England. It looks at how the Department for Health and Social Care is responding to the challenges facing adult social care in England, and its progress with delivering the reforms set out in the 2021 white paper. 

Responding, Helen Walker, chief executive at Carers UK, said:

“Today’s report highlights the absence of a long-term plan by the government to achieve its vision of reforming adult social care in England – which is placing huge pressure upon unpaid carers.

“61% of carers responding to Carers UK’s State of Caring Survey 2023 said they need more support to look after their health and wellbeing, and 78% were worried about being unable to provide care in the future as a result.

“Although we’re pleased that the Department for Health and Social Care has announced that it is delivering its Accelerating Reform Fund to support unpaid carers’ needs, it’s vital that we see clear direction for the future.

“This lack of action by the government is pushing England’s 4.7 million carers to breaking point. We need a long-term, sustainable, social care funding solution so that carers can get the support they need to live a healthy, fulfilling life alongside their caring role.”