Labour’s timeline for social care commission ‘too long to wait’ | Politics | News

Labour has been warned that 2028 is “far too long to wait” for proposals on how to reform social care.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has confirmed that an expert group led by Baroness Casey of Blackstock will “work to build a national consensus around a new National Care Service able to meet the needs of older and disabled people into the 21st century”.

A first phase reporting in mid-2026 will identify critical issues the sector is facing and make initial recommendations. Longer-term recommendations to transform care will follow by 2028.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at The King’s Fund think tank, welcomed the commission but said: “We urge the government to accelerate the timing of the second phase of the commission which focuses on creating a fair and affordable social care system.

“The current timetable to report by 2028 is far too long to wait for people who need social care, and their families.”

Opposition parties have been invited to take part in the commission with the goal of building a cross-party and national consensus on state and individual responsibilities for social care, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

Baroness Louise Casey of Blackstock said the process would be “an opportunity to start a national conversation, find the solutions and build consensus on a long-term plan to fix the system”.

She added: “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. I am pleased the Prime Minister has asked me to lead this vital work.” 

Mr Streeting will also confirm a £86million boost for Disabled Facilities Grants, which help disabled and elderly people make changes to their homes which enable them to remain independent for longer.

Other reforms include plans to support care workers to deliver health checks and improved career development opportunities.

Nuffield Trust deputy director of policy Natasha Curry welcomed the additional funding. But she added: “We remain concerned that this is still insufficient given the immense financial pressure that the sector is under.

“Social care is facing soaring costs as a result of increases to the National Living Wage and Employer National Insurance Contributions and needs more funding just to keep pace with demand for social care services.

“The reality is that over the last 30 years, numerous social care commissions and reviews have set out ambition to achieve lasting reform but failed to deliver due to a lack of sustainable funding and political will.”