Public satisfaction with social care services has dropped to just 13%, according to the Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund. This is the lowest level ever recorded on their British Social Attitudes survey.
The survey, conducted in September and October of last year, saw 57% of respondents report being ‘quite dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with social care services. Reasons for this included inadequate pay, working conditions and training for staff. Further reasons included not receiving the necessary social care themselves, and the lack of support for unpaid carers.
‘These are awful results,’ said Senior Fellow in social care at The King’s Fun, Simon Bottery.
‘People realise that too many people fail to receive the social care support they need, putting an unfair requirement on unpaid carers, and that staff are overworked and underpaid.’
Those most likely to report dissatisfaction had used or contacted a service in the last 12 months. Respondents over 65 were also more likely to be dissatisfied, alongside those with higher incomes and those who supported the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.
Cyril Lobont, Researcher at the Nuffield Trust, said:
‘Social care services are a vital part of society yet satisfaction with them seems to redefine “rock bottom” every year. The results make it clear that too many people with care needs and their families are still struggling to access a reasonable level of support. Politicians of all parties need to prioritise reversing this record low satisfaction. What is left of the delayed reform plans at present would barely stabilise the sector, let alone deliver the improvement so desperately needed.’
The social care findings from the British Social Attitudes survey were released ahead of the full health and care report, which is being published tomorrow (Wednesday 27 March).
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