The battle to reform social care has been a long-standing issue in UK politics, and for Andy Burnham, it's personal. As the new Prime Minister, he has pledged to tackle this complex problem head-on, despite past failures to bring about lasting change. His commitment to addressing the challenges within the social care system is timely, given that the independent commission, led by Louise Casey, is set to engage the public in a national conversation about its future.
The Prime Minister's own experience of watching his father struggle with Alzheimer's has undoubtedly informed his renewed focus on this issue. However, he is also aware of the need for a measured approach, particularly given the difficulties that have plagued previous attempts at reform. The commission's public outreach phase may not have commenced yet, but it's clear that any significant policy announcements will follow a comprehensive period of consultation and analysis.
This isn't Mr Burnham's first attempt to overhaul social care. As Health Secretary in 2010, he championed plans for a 'National Care Service', which were ultimately abandoned after the general election. Since then, the complexities of the system have only intensified. According to NHS data, councils in England allocated £10.4 billion towards working-age adults and £11 billion for older people's care in the year leading up to 2024. This trend reflects not just an ageing population but also a notable rise in working-age individuals requiring social care due to illness or disability.
One of the major sticking points for previous reform efforts has been funding. A pre-2010 consultation found that people were generally supportive of a compulsory contribution model that would guarantee free care, but this was ultimately derailed by political opposition. Mr Burnham's recent comments suggest a preference for a system delivered 'on an NHS basis', implying a publicly funded service free at the point of delivery, potentially financed through a form of taxation other than income tax, which was deemed unfair to working-age people in 2010. Other options, such as social insurance or a hybrid of private and state payments, could also be explored.
Reforming social care on this scale will require a phased approach. Many current services are provided by private companies, and the government will eventually need to determine their future role. Addressing the existing friction between the health and care systems is also expected to form part of Mr Burnham's broader devolution agenda. Lady Casey, with her proven track record as a troubleshooter, leads the commission, but the Prime Minister's foresight that considerable political capital will be required underlines the magnitude of the task ahead.