England puts social care reform back at the centre

England’s social care system can leave older and disabled people facing patchy support and large personal bills, while low pay makes it difficult to recruit and retain care workers.

Prime minister Andy Burnham has begun a cross-party push for a National Care Service alongside the NHS. Louise Casey will lead a public “Big Conversation”, while ministers examine eligibility for state-funded care, the role of profit-making providers, and better pay, training and status for staff.

The response matters because weak community care also puts pressure on hospitals when people cannot be discharged safely. Burnham says he wants politicians to find common ground and has invited opposition leaders into the process. Care workers would be treated more like one workforce with the NHS, with clearer routes for progression.

This is a commitment, not yet a funded service. Tax rises have not been ruled out, key design choices remain open and previous governments have repeatedly failed to deliver reform. The useful test will be whether the consultation produces an affordable settlement that improves everyday care.

Original reporting: Associated Press ↗