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Main Content: Health Secretary sets out principles for care commission
The Health Secretary has used a keynote speech at the 5th International Carers Conference, hosted by Carers UK in Leeds, to set out key principles for the forthcoming commission on social care.
The Coalition Programme for Government included a commitment to establish an independent commission to report within one year. Andrew Lansley said that a White Paper would follow the commission, in the autumn of 2011 and set out the key principles for the commission - prevention, protection, partnership and personalisation.
At the 5th International Carers Conference 2010, 400 delegates from more than 20 countries are debating the global challenge of caring for an ageing population, with key international speakers from business, health and technology sectors. By 2050, those in middle age will be 3 times more likely than now to be responsible for caring for many of the 2 billion elderly[1].
Imelda Redmond CBE, Chief Executive of Carers UK said: “How we support and care for our ageing population is one of the greatest challenges facing our society, and we were pleased that the Secretary of State was able to speak at this key forum on how to meet that challenge. The Government’s forthcoming commission must set the funding of social care on a sustainable course, which can weather economic and political change. We need cross-party consensus in order to deliver a care system which gives disabled people and our older generations dignity and independence, and us all confidence that our families will get the care and support they need when illness and disability strikes. The commission and the Government must be bold, farsighted and willing to take tough decisions on who pays for care, as ignoring the accelerating demographic shift will bring dire economic and social consequences.
[1] World Population Ageing (2007) United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, Xxviii Executive Summary, www.un.org/esa/population/publications/WPA2007/ES-English.pdf
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Contact:
Steve McIntosh, Policy and Public Affairs Officer
Mobile: 07875724088
Email: steve.mcintosh@carersuk.org
Press office: 0207 378 4937
Notes to Editors:
1. The 5th International Carers Conference 2010: New Frontiers in Caring, in Leeds takes place from Thursday 8th July until Sunday 11th July 2010, co-hosted with the University of Leeds. Further information can be found at: www.carersconference.com
2. The conference is being co-sponsored by Intel Digital Health and is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the Region’s Development Agency. Other sponsors include Carers Direct and the Technology and Strategy Board.
3. Carers UK is a campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers, running for over 40 years. It has an affiliate membership of 450 local organisations, including 58 branches, throughout the UK who are in touch with and provide support to 1.25 million carers. Carers UK trains nearly 2,000 professionals who support carers every year. We make a difference to carers lives by:
• Campaigning for a better deal for carers
• Informing carers of their rights and what help is available
• Training and advising professionals who work with carers
• Working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates
Facebook : www.facebook.com/carersuk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/carersuk