The Guardian view on social care: while politicians dither, those in need suffer

‘Organisations across the country deserve better from politicians, as do the vulnerable people whose needs they were set up to meet.’ Photograph: Alamy

The rising human cost of our shamefully inadequate social care system is illustrated by the shocking case of Hugh Kirsch, as reported by the Guardian. Mr Kirsch, who is 66 and has severe learning difficulties, suffered abuse in a previous placement. That home, Mendip House, was closed down. Now his family fear another disruption is on the way. For nine years he has been looked after by Somerset Care, but this organisation has said that it can’t keep going on the 0% annual rise offered by Haringey, the London council that funds him. Mr Kirsch may be evicted as a result.

His past bad experience makes this story particularly dismaying. But the threat hanging over him is in no way unique. For every dispute over social care costs that garners press attention, there are many others that stay hidden.