The absence of social care help in the Budget is galling

In the Budget, the chancellor set out a plan for the UK’s economic recovery, ending with a statement that the government was following through on the commitments it made to the British people following the 2019 election.

The absence of any mention of social care is therefore galling. Not only was long-term reform of social care a manifesto commitment, but those who receive support have been some of those most deeply impacted by the pandemic and those who work in social care have repeatedly risen to the challenges presented by Covid-19 as vital key workers. For many, the fact that reform and funding for these critical public services has not even been mentioned will be greatly disappointing.

We want to see a UK recovery that takes everyone along with it, where people who have social care support are equal and valued members of their communities. Alongside many others, Dimensions has responded to budget after budget to express our frustration at long-term reform for social care being kicked down the road. Yet again, it is clear that we must wait for much-needed priority and care to be given to the people who receive social care and those that support them.

Steve Scown

Chief executive of Dimensions

The Editorial analysis of the Budget, which points out that much of what Rishi Sunak has done, is correct. On the other side, Brexit gets a mention for how it will hit businesses, as it is doing.

The one thing that was missing was mention of the fact that our current government has contributed to the heavy load that the people and UK will bear, for many years, as a result of our poor response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Time and again decisions were delayed and we have been one of the worst-performing large economies on a deaths-per-million basis. The prime minister and his government bear a heavy responsibility and I hope that The Independent, and the British people, do not forget this and continue to hold them to account.

D Allen

Oxford

The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, kept insisting his Budget was “honest” and that he wanted to be “honest” with the British people.

This leaves me wondering why we need these reassurances, or was the choice of word inappropriate?

Ian Reid

Kilnwick

It's said that power corrupts. But probably more often it causes delusions. It would appear from his recent self-promoting video that poor Rishi Sunak is affected by the latter already.

I would have suggested that he needs to be protected from the even greater danger of the premiership. But unfortunately, he is the best, or only, hope for rescuing us all from the mendacity and incompetence of the present incumbent.

Oh dear, oh dear.

Susan Alexander

South Gloucestershire

So, Rishi Sunak once again gives an extra £20 a week to those on universal credit, but yet again neglects those on employment and support allowance (ESA) for the extra support.

They have to live through the pandemic too, you know! What a slap in the face to some of the most vulnerable in society.

Shame on you Sunak and shame on Boris Johnson too for backing him.

Geoffrey Brooking

Hampshire

Rather than relying on the public to chip in to help pay for the alleged six-figure cost of a refurbishment Johnson’s Downing Street flat, as suggested by Tom Peck, perhaps it should, like a stately home, be open to paying visitors.

After all, if the aristocratic owners of these country piles are prepared to have their privacy invaded to help pay for their upkeep, there seems no reason why Downing Street should be any different.

Patrick Cleary

Stonehouse