It was brilliant to be out and about in some of North Cornwall’s most beautiful villages this week as my team and I met constituents in St Tudy, St Breward, and St Teath. I picked up quite a bit of casework from residents who are concerned about their local services such as the buses and the state of the roads. Although these are issues that fall under the responsibility of Cornwall Council, I’m always happy to be able to discuss them with County Hall. Some of our older residents discussed social care with me and I was pleased to be able to give them the news that the Government has unveiled a £600 million package to help with recruitment and retention in social care. The fund will support the social care workforce and boost capacity in social care, in turn supporting the NHS ahead of winter and through into next year.
The funding for adult social care includes a £570 million workforce fund over two years, distributed to local authorities, and £30 million funding for local authorities in the most challenged health systems. It will help to improve recruitment and retention, boost workforce capacity and ensure a sustainable social care workforce fit for the future. It can be used flexibly based on local needs, including increasing the fees given to care providers, which will enable better pay for care workers. A stronger care system will better meet care needs around the country and support the NHS for future winters, preventing admission to hospitals and helping people to be discharged from hospitals more quickly, cutting waiting times for A&E and ambulances. The multi-million-pound investment will deliver tangible improvements to care and support services, benefitting millions working in or supported by care. It builds on progress the Government has already made on workforce reforms set out in the Next Steps to Put People at the Heart of Care plan - backed by an initial £250 million - which will enable better recognition of social care as a profession.
I am currently running a survey on my website to find out your views and priorities for North Cornwall. If you would like to take part, please visit https://www.scottmann.org.uk/tell-me-your-views. Paper copies of the survey can be made available on request by telephoning 01208 74337. As always, if I can be of assistance with any constituency matters then please get in touch via scott@scottmann.org.uk.
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