On March 6th, the Care and Support Alliance organised a mass lobby of Parliament. Over 1000 campaigners from charities and organisations that work with older and disabled people came from all over the country to call on the Government to end the care crisis.

I attended the lobby to show my support for this absolutely vital campaign. I met and spoke with many older and disabled people. They told me about the challenges they face every day trying to get the care and support they need, and the very real impact that cuts to local services are having on them and their families.

£1 billion has been cut from local council budgets for older people’s social care since the Conservative-led Government came to power. Fewer older people are getting the help they need and families face soaring care charges, which vary hugely across the country.

We must act now to reform services and support, and ensure a fair and sustainable funding system that delivers dignity, independence and peace of mind for older and disabled people and their families.

Labour is determined to play our part in achieving radical reforms to social care. We called for cross party talks on Andrew Dilnot’s proposals for funding social care and these are now underway. We are also pressing the Government for legislation on this crucial issue during this Parliament.