Thank you for your email of 17 May about the future of social care.  I have been asked to reply.

I understand that you would like the care and support system to be a high priority for the new administration.  While I appreciate your concern, I am sure that you will understand that the new Government has a large number of issues to tackle.  The NHS will be backed with increased real resources but, in the light of the current financial climate, it must become progressively more efficient and cut the costs of what it does in order to meet increased demands and to improve quality and outcomes.
 

All of this means that the new Government will be assessing their priorities very carefully.  I am sure you will appreciate that, for these reasons, I cannot outline any commitments to address your concerns at this stage.

 

I understand that you may find this reply disappointing, but I hope that it clarifies the position of the Department at this time."

Please sign my petition calling for the Government to make Social Care a High Priority: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/social-care-should-be-a-government-priority.html