Barbara Keeley MP, Labour’s Older People, Social Care and Carers’ Minister, responding to new figures showing that more than one in four requests for social care support are not being actioned by local councils, said:

“Denying older people care and support in their home is no answer to the challenge of our ageing society. It means older people are more likely to turn to A&E and to require hospital treatment, which means they become less independent and their care often ends up costing much more.

“The deep cuts to social care we have seen under this Government are one of the main reasons why the NHS is under so much pressure. Ministers must now take urgent action to address the severe and growing crisis in older people’s care.“