Learning disability charity Mencap has welcomed the findings of the Health Select Committee’s review of public expenditure in health and social care and its emphasis on the importance of implementing a new social care system. The Health Select Committee report concluded that while full-scale integration of health and social care is challenging, given the separate governance and funding systems, they must be seen as 2 aspects of the same service and planned together in every area if there is any chance of a high-quality and efficient service being provided which meets the needs of the local population within the funding available. Chair of the Health Select Committee Stephen Dorrell MP said: “The need to provide high-quality and efficient services that meet local needs within the funding available must be addressed as a matter of urgency. This requirement underlies the importance of developing new structures which deliver genuinely integrated services.” Mark Goldring, chief executive of Mencap said: “Budgets are being cut are at a time when the demand for social care services continues to grow, and the reality on the ground is that disabled people are fearing for their futures and their ability to lead independent lives.” “Efficiency savings alone will not address this crisis, and the Government needs to look beyond quick-fixes, and urgently address both social care reform and the funding shortfall.”
