On Monday 25 June I met with Labour Councillors who lead on adult social care in different parts of the country. The meeting was in Birmingham, where this year’s Local Government Conference is taking place.

We talked about the huge challenges councils face in meeting growing demand for social care, at a time when council budgets are being cut by a third. Councillors also told me about some of the positive things they are doing to improve the quality of local services, such as using telecare to help people stay living well in their own homes, and developing Extra Care Housing.

I will continue to work closely with local councillors in my role as Shadow Minister for Care and Older People. It’s really important to show that Labour can make a difference locally, even when we’re not in Government nationally, and to share examples of good practice.