No deal Brexit will be “catastrophe” for those needing care

Pembrokeshire’s two Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidates have reacted to the report in a local newspaper that Mario Kreft OBE has described a no deal Brexit as a “catastrophe” for vulnerable people needing care.

Mr Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said a number of care homes are already struggling and could be forced to close by the New Year.

A leaked government document, ‘Operation Yellowhammer’, refers to the consequences of an increase in inflation following a no deal Brexit: The document states: “An increase in inflation after the UK’s exit would affect providers of adult social care and might lead to failure within 2-3 months for smaller providers and 4-6 months for larger ones. There are also local risks – transport or staff disruption, severe winter weather or flu – that could exacerbate existing market fragility and that cumulatively could stretch the resources of providers and local authorities.”

The proposed new immigration policy requiring immigrants to be earning at least £36,000 a year will exacerbate the recruitment problems for the social care sector. In addition, it is forecast that the population of over 85s will increase by 100% in the next 20 years as we all live longer. It is good that we are living longer but we need to prepare for this so that we can be looked after with dignity.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat for West Carmarthen and South Pembrokeshire said: “A combination of increasing staff and supply costs due to a ‘No Deal’ Brexit together with difficulties in recruiting staff could drive many care homes out of business by the early New Year. Unfortunately, those who are the most vulnerable will lose out the most in a no deal Brexit.”

Tom Hughes, Welsh Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire said: “There is already a real shortage of domiciliary care workers. This will also affect the NHS. If the social care sector is not able to provide for the most vulnerable people then this will put even more pressure on our overstretched hospitals.”