Independent Commission on Adult Social Care

Lord Rook Excerpts

Wednesday 17th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

The noble Lord raises an incredibly important point; I would expect as much from his background in this area. It is fair to say that local authorities spend more than 50% on the working-age demographic, but he is absolutely right that the main focus—the news interest—tends to be on older adults. I reassure him that our Government will look at all the issues, and enabling people to get back into the workplace and stay there is absolutely critical. The most important thing about the review of the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, is that it will be inclusive. She has already held a cross-party meeting, and there will be ample opportunity for all Members to ensure that their voice is heard.

[Lord Rook (Lab)]

My Lords, in asking this question, I point to my own interest as a carer. Given the long-term challenges in our adult social care system, I am sure that all of us welcome the Prime Minister’s creation of an Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, and I am sure that we all welcome the appointment of the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, as its chair. To what extent will the commission engage with local government to understand some of the challenges, particularly in the provision of domiciliary care in the sector at this point?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

My noble friend raises an important point, and I just highlight my personal experience of working with the noble Baroness, Lady Casey, which goes back over a couple of decades to when she first started the work on introducing ASBOs—I am sure that everyone will remember that—and then went on to troubled families. She has a very strong and clear understanding of the local government sector, and it will be fundamental, I am sure, given the importance of the sector in this whole area, that this engagement is profound. Of course, it is absolutely critical that we allow her to move forward with that important piece of work, but I am very sure—as I am sure that all noble Lords are—that the LGA will make its voice very loudly heard and make sure that its view are fed in on behalf of the people it represents.