A FROME Somerset County Councillor is appealing for people to ‘stand up for care’ and sign a parliamentary petition.
The petition calls for cross-party discussions before Christmas to end the national social care funding shortfall.
County councillor for the Frome North Division, Linda Oliver says, “Government funding hasn’t kept pace with the growing demands of an ageing population, leaving councils up and down the country struggling to provide the support and care that people deserve.
“The country needs a plan to fund social care in the long-term and your county council is proud to be playing a lead role in forcing the issue.
“Earlier this year Somerset helped put care in the spotlight by working with BBC Panorama on its Crisis in Care documentaries. These films were seen by millions and showed the difficult decisions that come with meeting the growing demand for care at a time of limited funding.
“The powerful stories of inspiring families, carers, social care staff and volunteers have played a big part in pushing the issue right to top of the political and public agenda. Our thanks go to everyone who took part.
“Every day, around 6,500 people in Somerset receive some sort of care, thanks to a network of nearly 300 care providers. Last year our care spends accounted for nearly 40 per cent of our whole net budget. And, with Somerset’s population ageing faster than the national average, the pressures are being felt here more than many other parts of the country.
“You can sign the petition by visiting www.somerset.gov.uk/standupforcare – it only takes a few seconds to add your name, but you could be helping bring about change that lasts lifetimes.”
Leader of the council, cllr David Fothergill, who launched the petition in the summer said, “There is nothing more important to Somerset than looking after vulnerable people. The system for social care is broken – and this council is the one demanding change and is standing up for care.”
