SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has supported UNISON’s ‘Save Our Local Services’ campaign at Westminster and is calling on the government to increase funding to older people’s social care services.
Mr Durkan said: “I am delighted to back this important campaign – and will support every effort to urge the government to increase funding to older people’s social care services.
“Social care services which support people aged over 65 – mainly homecare, residential care and day care services – are vital for our older people to live independent and happier lives at home and in their communities.
“Decades of underfunding, privatisation and recent years of government spending cuts have led to a crisis in social care funding, making it more difficult for workers to give older people the high quality care that they deserve.
“As demand for services has increased, there are fewer staff, spending less time with patients.
“This situation cannot continue.
“There must be better care for older people and an end to the downward spiral in pay and terms and conditions for those working in this sector.”
