Our Response to the King's Speech

While we have yet to hear of a more fundamental sector reform, the King's Speech has set the stage for the new government's priorities with a few key steps forward. Aldingbourne Trust's Managing Director, Sue Livett, shares her insights.

Mental Health Act Reform
An update of the Mental Health Act is something MIND has called a "once-in-a-generation opportunity," and we certainly echo this sentiment. Sue comments, "The reform promises to strengthen people's rights, choice, and control during treatment. This is welcome news if it reduces the number of admissions, emphasising proportionate and respectful treatment approaches. For too long, autistic people and those with learning disabilities have been detained when more suitable, community based support would have led to better outcomes."

Fair Pay Agreement for Social Care
Low pay for care workers remains a significant issue within the social care sector, with 77% of people believing that care workers are paid too little (according to research from the Health Foundation and Nuffield Trust). However, the inclusion of adult social care pay increases in the planned Employment Rights Bill is a positive development. Sue notes, "This is great news, but it must be aligned with ensuring that local authorities are funded to pass these increases on as soon as possible."
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The announcement of another royal commission on social care, however, raises concerns about potential delays. "My shelf is full of reports, recommendations and calls to action to improve social care – there is no shortage of evidence," says Sue. What is lacking is decisive action and concrete decisions to implement these improvements. The time to act is now.

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