Select committee expands terms of reference for care funding inquiry

The health and social care select committee has called for evidence on what long-terms reforms are needed to the funding system of social care.

The call is an expansion of the terms of reference for the committee’s reopened ‘Social care: funding and workforce’ inquiry that was paused in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The deadline for evidence has been extended to Friday 5 June. However, evidence will be accepted throughout the course of the inquiry due to the constantly evolving situation, the committee said.

“Social care is in urgent need of reform, not only to deliver the necessary funding, but to support our crucial social care workforce,” said health select committee chairman Jeremy Hunt (pictured).

“Never has this been more apparent than during the pandemic, as social care staff work above and beyond to protect our most vulnerable people in a hugely challenging situation, with difficulties compounded by historical problems with funding and workforce – we heard this loud and clear at our most recent evidence session."

Hunt added: "The committee is therefore relaunching its inquiry into social care funding and reform, with slightly expanded terms of reference, and plans to begin taking oral evidence in June."