UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ministers have initiated an independent commission to address challenges in the adult social care system, with plans to deliver a national care service by 2028.
A new taskforce, led by Louise Casey, will work on proposals for a national care service as part of the biggest reform to England’s social care system in years.
On Friday, the government announced millions in funding to help older adults and people with disabilities upgrade their homes and reduce the need for hospital stays.
As reported by The Guardian, care industry leaders slammed the minister’s given timeline for the commission’s work, with some blaming them for delaying action on the social care crisis. The first report will be in April 2026, with the final one expected in 2028.
Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, stated that efforts have “already begun on stabilising the care sector, investing in prevention, and carers and care workers.”
He added, “The investment and reforms we’re announcing today will help to modernise social care, get it working more closely with the NHS, and help deliver our Plan for Change.”
Social care will assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with everyday tasks like cleaning, dressing, taking medication, and eating.
The NHS provides this free social treatment only to those with serious health problems, while local authorities fund much of the care.
To get support in England, only those with major needs and savings under £23,250, while others must pay for their care.
Mr Streeting said, “By 2050, there will be four million more people over the age of 65 in England than there are now. If we do nothing, real social care costs are expected to nearly double by 2038 compared to 2018 numbers.”
Baroness Casey, who has previously worked on big reviews like inadequate housing, the Rotherham child abuse case, and the Metropolitan Police, stated she was pleased to lead “this vital work.”
She is known in the government for being straightforward, having good connections with all parties, and being someone who makes things happen.
Ms Casey stated, “Millions of older people, disabled people, their families and carers rely upon an effective adult social care system to live their lives to the full, with independence and dignity.”
Labour’s social care funding initiative in 2010 was labelled as a “death tax,” while the Tory plan was branded as a “dementia tax” in the 2017 general election.
Numerous commissions, reports, and evaluations have failed to bring about any changes in the healthcare sector in the previous 25 years.
Mr Streeting pointed out there have been many good ideas to address the crisis in the last 15 years, but not enough action. He said that the Labour government was dedicated to doing politics with a new approach.
Meanwhile, the health minister also faced backlash from critics due to the timeline set for the task force.
The commission will proceed in two stages. The initial report, due in mid-2026, will address issues social care is facing and recommend medium-term changes. The other phase, which will come in 2028, will outline long-term solutions.
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats and a strong supporter of social care changes, described the commission as “long overdue.”
The King’s Fund CEO, Sarah Woolnough, said she praised the government’s plan but sped up the process.
Nadra Ahmed, co-chair of the National Care Association, backed the commission’s launch but raised concerns about the final report taking around three years.
According to Hugh Alderwick from the Health Foundation, the new commission must take prompt actions to avoid repeating past failures.
Ministers also revealed on Friday that more funding would go into the Disabled Facilities Grant, helping individuals to apply for financial support to make necessary home improvements like ramp installation, extensions, and door widening.
An additional £86 million for this year, added to the £86 million for next year, brings the total funding to £711 million.
Care workers will be properly trained to perform tasks such as blood pressure checks, and cutting down on patient visits to doctors or clinics. A new digital platform will be developed for sharing medical data between the NHS and social care staff.