Deafblind Scotland joins call for urgent action on Scotland’s social care crisis

Aug 28

2 min read

0

12

0

Deafblind Scotland has joined more than 200 third sector health and social care leaders in signing an open letter to the First Minister warning of the crisis facing our sector.

The letter, published on 17 August, highlights the scale of the challenge: without urgent action, Scotland’s social care system risks collapse, with devastating consequences for disabled people, older people, families and the workforce. It also warns that this crisis will deepen existing inequalities and place even greater pressure on the NHS and other public services.

Four key asks

The open letter sets out four urgent steps the Scottish Government must take:

Immediate cash injection in the upcoming Spending Review, including full cost recovery for employer National Insurance increases.
A fully-funded recovery plan to tackle decades of underinvestment in social care.
Multi-year funding agreements, adjusted for inflation, to ensure stability for organisations.
Commitment to meaningful partnership, ensuring the third sector is fully included in planning and decision-making.

These asks reflect the deep concern across the sector, but also its readiness to be part of the solution. As the letter makes clear, Scotland still has time to turn things around – but only if immediate action is taken in partnership with those delivering services on the ground.

Why this matters

For people living with deafblindness and many others who rely on specialist support, the stability of the social care system is essential. Without it, people risk losing access to the services that enable them to live with dignity, independence, and choice.

At Deafblind Scotland, we see first-hand the dedication and resilience of staff working in social care. But we also see the strain created by chronic underfunding and uncertainty. That is why we stand with our colleagues across the sector in calling for urgent reform.