Many individuals face significant costs for adult social care, with national figures for the first quarter of 2026 showing that only about one in six applications for NHS Continuing Healthcare were deemed eligible. This scheme provides free health and social care for people with the most complex needs.
The current system means that if an individual has assets of £23,350 or more, they are likely to be expected to cover their own care costs. This sum can include the value of their home if they move into a care home, unless a partner or dependent still lives there.
An independent commission, led by Baroness Louise Casey, is currently working to set out a plan for a national care service, fulfilling a Labour 2024 election manifesto pledge. This work, due to report back next year, will discuss alternative models for a fair and affordable adult care system.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham reiterated in July that social care needs reform, but did not provide a timeline for changes. He has asked Baroness Casey to report back a year earlier than the original 2028 deadline and announced cross-party talks on the issue.