Northumberland Labour is throwing its weight behind the party’s national plans to fix health and social care.

Northumberland Labour leader Scott Dickinson said: “It’s very convenient for the Conservatives to blame all the problems of the NHS and social care on Covid, but in truth, these vital services had been in decline for a decade.”

Shadow cabinet member for adult social care Mark Purvis added: “The hard work put in by the previous Labour government to cut waiting times and waiting lists was already going out of control well before the pandemic hit. The fact is the government was not committed to doing the right thing for patients; in other words ensuring people did not have to wait for the care and treatment they need.

“Of course, if people can’t get prompt treatment on the NHS they are forced to pay for private healthcare, which suits the Conservative party.

“The pandemic made a terrible situation even worse and the government’s plans to fix health and social care fall woefully short of what’s needed.”

Labour plans to build a healthy society that tackles the causes of ill health and helps people to stay well. They want to confront the shocking inequalities that leave the poorest people less healthy and more likely to die sooner.

They are committed to increasing access to mental health services introducing the biggest children’s health and wellbeing programme ever.

Labour believes that staff should be properly rewarded for the vital work they do.

Labour also pledges to address social care, ensure more people can access care and live in their homes for longer, supported by carers who are appropriately paid for the work they do.