We have this week published our Manifesto ahead of the next Welsh Election in May, setting out a clear and urgent call for change within the social care sector.

For too long, social care has not received the parity in terms of recognition and investment that it deserves. Across Wales, care providers and their staff work tirelessly to support vulnerable people, delivering high quality care under increasingly challenging conditions. The manifesto calls on all political parties to acknowledge this contribution and to commit to meaningful, long term reform.

At the heart of the manifesto is a call for true partnership, recognising that sustainable social care can only be delivered when all parties work collaboratively and with mutual respect. It also highlights the need for fair care for all, urging an end to the postcode lottery of fee setting that continues to undermine equity and stability across the sector.

The manifesto sets out the importance of properly funding the commitment to deliver the real living wage to care staff, ensuring that funding reaches the workforce it is intended to support. It also calls for urgent action to fix the visa system, enabling ethical recruitment and addressing chronic workforce shortages.

We further call for parity between social care and the NHS, arguing that social care must be valued equally within the wider health and care system. A common sense approach to the rebalancing agenda is also needed, allowing the sector to work towards shared goals without unintended consequences.

We are highlighting the value for money delivered by independent care providers and in this document we stress the importance of accountability, transparency, and fairness, building a system that truly puts people first.

Care Forum Wales urges all political parties to engage with the manifesto and commit to delivering a sustainable, fair, and respected social care system for Wales.

The full manifesto can be read here.

The Welsh version can be read here.