6 October 08 – Following the Government reshuffle this weekend there is now a new Minister of State for Care Services. The new Minister, Phil Hope MP, said:

"I have seen some of the great work done in social care in my previous job as minister for the third sector.

"I am looking forward to learning more and getting stuck into the challenges of this new role. The Dignity Campaign, the debate on the future of care and support and tackling the stigma associated with mental health problems are all issues with which I'm keen to get involved. Overall, I am keen to push forward radical improvements for people who rely on care services. "

Stephen Burke, Chief Executive of Counsel and Care and spokesperson for the coalition said: “By appointing a minister of state for care, the prime minister has signalled the importance of getting the right care and the right deal for everyone.

  

21^st  September  - The Right care Right deal coalition held successful fringe event meetings at each of the main party conferences last month in a bid to remind politicans that providing care and support to those who need it is truly everybody’s business. The Labour event was addressed by Care minister Ivan Lewis who acknowledged that social care is one of the biggest policy areas faced by the Labour Government. Paul Cann, spokesperson for the coalition and Director of Policy at Help the Aged told the audience that sustained political commitment would be crucial. Please visit our website and urge your MP to make social care their business.

 

12 September 2008 - The Right care Right Deal coalition have launched a dedicated website for the campaign. The website features more on the background to the campaign as well as case studies and campaign updates.
Visit the website

20 June 2008 - In association with Community Care Conferences, the Right care Right deal coalition will be holding a conference on Tuesday 8 July titled 'Preparing for the green paper overhaul in adult social care'.

Download the flyer for more information

12 May 2008 - The Right care Right deal coalition have responded to the launch of the Government's Care and Support consultation by releasing a 'Statement of Intent' , outlining the principles that must underpin any new social care system.

Download our Statement of Intent 

12 May 2008 - The Health Secretary, Alan Johnson has launched a six-month national consultation on the future of care and support services  to address rapid growth in the number of people with care and support needs.

Download the Government's consultation paper here 

4 April 2008 – Councillors asked to sign up to social care pledge

Ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections, The Right care Right deal campaign is calling on prospective councillors to join the campaign and show their support for better social care.

Find out which councillors have signed up in your area

1 April 2008 - Commission for Social Care starts their review of Eligibility Criteria

The Commission for Social Care Inspection is carrying out a review of the eligibility criteria used to decide if someone can receive social care services. Please note this survey has now closed.

31 March 2008 - Campaign calls for MP support
Ask your MP to show their support for the campaign by signing EDM 1051.

28 March 2008 - London’s Mayoral candidates quizzed about social care

At a recent Age Concern London mayoral hustings meeting, candidates responded to a question about social care for London’s older people.  Whilst the Mayor of London does not have direct control over local authorities’ eligibility criteria, the aim was to find out how candidates would influence these local decisions.

Sian Berry of the Green Party stated that she would introduce a London-wide strategy for social care for all boroughs to consider.

Boris Johnson for the Conservatives felt that London’s older people should get a fairer deal on social care funding, and said that he would speak up for older Londoners who have suffered from cuts that restrict their access to care.

Ken Livingstone, London’s Labour Party Mayor, said that there ought to be a common standard of social care provided across London.

And Brian Paddick for the Liberal Democrats stated that the Mayor does have the power to only increase the GLA element of Council Tax by the rate of inflation – thus freeing up more cash to pay for social care.  

Age Concern London put on an extremely effective event, and the presence of all four candidates proves that they recognise the importance and power of the older vote.

25 January 2008 - Press release announcing the start of the campaign and the coalition's aims

Read the press release, titled Two thirds of people won't put money aside for social care, according to new research