Underlying Principles:

 

All of us were (or are) children, all of us are prey to potential misfortune, unemployment, homelessness, illness or injury, and most of us will get old. These are inevitable features of any society and many, if not most, will need help to manage the challenges these vulnerable circumstances can potentially create.  As such, policies that allow for considerate and compassionate support of those in need should be the starting point for any progressive society.

 

Decades of government underinvestment and sticking plaster solutions have left many unwell, untreated, isolated, depressed, lonely, invisible, abandoned or deliberately confused by the processes by which they might access the help they need.  This needs to change.

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Social care and assistance, in whatever form it takes, must be delivered fairly, effectively, reliably, efficiently and consistently.

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Pensions must be dependable, and funded and paid at a level and age that is sustainable for both the state and the recipients.