Social care staffing and a national care service

Early day motion 959, tabled 13 March 2023 by Margaret Greenwood (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House expresses concern that there are around 165,000 vacancies in social care in England and that, as of 2020-21, the average hourly pay in independent care homes in England was just £9.01; is further concerned about separate reports that England is projected to need close to 500,000 more care staff by the middle of the next decade; believes that the Government has no credible plan to address the shortage of staff in the social care sector; recognises the impact that chronic staffing shortages in the social care sector can have on unpaid carers, with many forced to give up their careers to look after a loved one; further recognises that many unpaid carers are struggling financially as a result of their caring role, with an increasing number unable to afford their utility bills; calls on the Government to work with stakeholders, including unpaid carers and other people with lived experience, to bring forward plans for a national care service ensuring that care is delivered for people, not for profit.

Signatures by party: Labour 23, Independent 2, DUP 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.