Prime Minister Andy Burnham today committed to ending what he described as decades of political drift on social care, outlining a new approach to fix the system. Speaking at a care home, Mr Burnham emphasised the urgency of the situation and the need for political will to tackle the challenge.
Health & Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that many older and disabled people are being let down by the current system, with unpaid carers shouldering a significant burden. She highlighted the importance of health and social care working together, a vision she said was recognised over 50 years ago by Barbara Castle.
The Prime Minister stressed that social care reform is crucial for those needing support and for the long-term future of the NHS. He noted that a failing social care system places pressure on NHS services, leading to issues such as patients being unable to leave hospital despite being medically fit. A&E attendances by over 65s increased from 3.3 million in 2011/12 to 5.8 million in 2024/25.
Mr Burnham outlined an immediate focus on improving the social care workforce, aiming for integration with the NHS workforce, better pay, training, job security, and progression routes. Baroness Casey has launched the 'Big Conversation on Care', an online platform for the public to share their views on the values, principles, fairness, and funding of a care system.
The Health and Social Care Secretary will chair a new ministerial group to accelerate the government's response on social care, including workforce and system reform. This group will also work towards appointing a Dementia Tsar later this summer. The Prime Minister confirmed that Baroness Casey's commission will report back with a plan for the National Care Service next summer, accelerating the original 2028 date.
The core principles behind the National Care Service include seamless movement between services, sustainable funding, a focus on prevention, and citizen-centred plans that ensure local social, primary, and community care work together. The Prime Minister has invited leaders of the two main opposition parties to meet with him to discuss the issue and foster cross-party cooperation.