A new parliamentary group has been launched to examine the care system, funding and the issue of staffing.

The All Part Parliamentary Group on Social Care (APPG Social Care) was launched last week at Westminster to tackle the ‘social care crisis’. MPs in the APPG include Norman Lamb, Damian Green, Barbara Keeley, Louise Haigh and Gillian Keegan.

Tim Roache, general secretary of the GMB Union, which is sponsoring the new party, said: “Our care system right now is in crisis, it is crumbling beneath us because the funding isn’t there.

“I’m proud GMB is supporting this new parliamentary group which will look at real lives and real situations, and will make evidenced-based proposals about what must be done in government to make sure are have a care system which values our care workers, and everyone gets the care and support they need.”

The inquiry will take evidence in the next few months as the sector waits for the long overdue social care green paper.

The green paper was expected in July 2018 and has been repeatedly delayed. It is expected to cover the quality and safety of care services, a sustainable funding model for social care supported by a stable market.

Caroline Dinenage, care minister, told MPs earlier this month, that the green paper would be published at the ‘earliest opportunity’ and would contain a ‘number of different funding options.’

The first inquiry will be sponsored by HC-One, a care provider running over 330 care homes in the UK.

Justin Hutchens, chief executive of HC-One, said: “HC-One welcomes this new parliamentary group in order to give social care the high profile it deserves, celebrate those staff who provide these essential tasks and point to where improvements must be made.

“The current system is in crisis and we must forward to ensure we all play our part in achieving the changes required.”

For more information or to contact HC-One, please visit: https://www.hc-one.co.uk/Carehomes.aspx