Adult Social Care

Jim Shannon Excerpts

Wednesday 1st December 2021 Commons Chamber

[Gillian Keegan]

Of course I am trying not to be too disappointed by the reactions of Opposition Members; I did not really expect an awful lot more.

Areas such as Sutton Coldfield and Surrey are expensive to live in, and we need to recognise that. Most of us, when asked about our future care arrangements, would say that we would like to stay in our own homes, and we want to make that possible. There is a great deal of technology that will help, but it is also important to adapt more supported housing and to work with local groups to deliver the right approach for the right areas, and that will include local hospitals as well.

[Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)]

I thank the Minister for her statement, and for the progress that she is clearly trying to achieve.

Workforce availability for care homes is vital. Today a representative of a care home bordering my constituency rang to say that a quarter of its staff are off work owing to close covid contacts, although they are now treble-jabbed, and it has no more staff and a lack of agency staff to employ. What can be done through this strategy, Minister, to ensure that the recruitment and retention of care workers are improved?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

Order. I cannot believe that the hon. Gentleman said “Minister” again. I thought that he was beginning to get it, and that he would not make me unhappy any more!

[Jim Shannon]

I should have said “the hon. Lady”.

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

I thank the hon. Gentleman very much for that. I can say “Minister”; it is the hon. Gentleman who cannot. Minister!