Successive governments have failed—or lacked the courage—to confront the deepening crisis in adult social care. Nationally, the system faces chronic underfunding, a shrinking and overstretched workforce, and growing demand from an ageing population. Care workers remain undervalued and underpaid, leading to recruitment and retention issues that threaten the sustainability of services.

Brighton & Hove reflects the national picture but with added local pressures. In 2023/24, 859,000 people in England received publicly funded long-term care—a 3% rise on the previous year. This includes both older adults and working-age individuals, indicating a growing need across society.

Locally, the city has 152 regulated adult care services—87 residential and 65 non-residential. Around 7,800 posts are filled in the sector, mostly in the independent care market. Meanwhile, 1 in 12 residents provide unpaid care, often over 50 hours a week, showing the huge reliance on informal support.

The British Medical Association warns of a “ticking time bomb,” with staffing shortfalls and budget constraints already compromising care. Without urgent reform, vulnerable people will continue to fall through the cracks—while the NHS absorbs the fallout from a failing social care system.

So what can be done? This discussion will explore local and national solutions. How can we build a care system that values its workforce, provides high-quality support, and meets the needs of our communities?

Featured Speaker: Dr. Brian Fisher MBE

Dr. Brian Fisher is Chair of The Health Creation Alliance, which works to promote health through community development and practical change within health and care systems.

Brian served as a GP in South East London for over four decades and has long championed patient empowerment and user involvement in the NHS. He is also a key voice in the NaCSILS campaign to transform social care across the UK.

An Honorary Researcher at Kings and Imperial College medical schools, Brian was awarded an MBE for services to community development in 2007. He now leads Evergreen Life, helping people access their GP records and take greater control of their health.

 

19 July 2025  10.00-12.30

Cornerstone Community Centre

Corner of Church Road and First Avenue

Hove

https://cornerstonecommunitycentre.com

Join us for the latest in our Brighton and Hove Coffee with Politics Series.