Richard Hill, G15 Vice-Chair and Chief Executive of One Housing Group, responds to the publication of the Social Care White Paper:
“We are pleased to see the White Paper acknowledges the role of high quality housing in keeping people well, with £300m being committed to local authorities to help them increase the range of supported housing they offer. In London, housing associations are local authorities’ key partners in providing the type of housing that allows people to live well independently and we look forward to conversations on how best to direct this funding.
“A half billion pound investment in the social care workforce over the next three years is undoubtedly helpful, providing the money is well targeted.
“However, what the White Paper doesn’t address is the huge pressure that care providers face today, caused by the continuing crisis in recruiting qualified staff and retaining them in the sector. We need a standardised fair wage and benefits package for all care staff.”