Westminster announces new health secretary: How will it impact Lincolnshire’s social care sector?

Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA) are paying close attention to the imminent changes that may be brought in under the new Health & Social Care Secretary’s leadership, and how this may affect Lincolnshire’s social care sector.

On Tuesday 5 July 2022, the UK Government announced the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, following predecessor Sajid Javid’s unexpected and sudden resignation. Barclay starts his new position at a time when the NHS and social care in England are under serious pressure, and will be responsible for the oversight of social care policy, as well as overall financial control of NHS delivery and performance.

According to Melanie Weatherley MBE, chair of LinCA, Barclay has been brought in at a “difficult time”, and suggests that the next couple of years could be “vital in tackling the huge challenges the county’s social care sector faces”.

She said: “We watch with interest to see how the new appointment of Steve Barclay to the role of Health & Social Care Secretary impacts the wider health and social care sector – across Greater Lincolnshire and beyond. We will continue to advocate for the views and concerns of proprietors and managers engaged in the delivery of social care, and aim to see continued progress in the addressing of their concerns by policy makers.”

LinCA represents care and support providers in both the independent and voluntary sectors within Lincolnshire and aims to improve care for the regions older and vulnerable people. LinCA is leading on plans to tackle the future challenges through its soon-to-be released white paper providing an ambitious 10-year plan for the future of Greater Lincolnshire’s social care.

The UK adult social care sector supports some of the most vulnerable people in society, and LinCA works closely alongside care providers across Lincolnshire by supporting their delivery of effective services and ensuring a sustainable choice of quality care provisions. LinCA’s voice plays a vital role representing the concerns of the sector within Lincolnshire as part of the national conversation around social care.

Find out more about LinCA at: www.linca.org.uk