Charity backs Norman Lamb MP's call for cross-party Commission on future of social care

This Commission is a much needed first step in shaping the future of health and social care in the UK as we face the demographic challenges of an ageing population.

In just over twenty years’ time, over a quarter of the population will be 65 or older. These changing demographics will have a very significant impact on the demand for hospital services, the demand for good quality social care, and the need for our homes to support us as we get older.

Independent Age has long been calling for an honest, open debate about the future of health and social care in this country. Without long term planning, we face our services being stretched to breaking point with no obvious solutions as to how to cope with increasing demand.

That’s why we, along with 39 other organisations, wrote to the Prime Minister last week setting out our support for a Commission. Setting up an independent, cross-party body to tackle the challenges we are facing is the first step towards making the UK the best country to grow older in by 2030. Let’s make sure he can’t ignore our call.