Long-term social care reforms unlikely before 2028, warns Labour

02 January 2025
Volume 36 · Issue 1

Abstract

Ministers are set to launch an independent commission to reform adult social care, but health leaders have urged the Government to ‘accelerate the timing’ of implementation.

The Government has announced the creation of a National Care Service to reform adult social care but warned that the commission's final report is unlikely before 2028.

Ministers are set to launch an independent commission to reform adult social care, but health leaders have urged the Government to ‘accelerate the timing’ of implementation.

The Government has announced the creation of a National Care Service to reform adult social care but warned that the commission's final report is unlikely before 2028.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting announced the launch of the independent commission led by Baroness Louise Casey to stabilise the care sector, invest in prevention and in carers and care workers.

Streeting said: ‘It will take time, but Casey's work will finally grasp this nettle and set our country on the path to building a national care service that meets the urgent need of our generation, guarantees quality care to all who need it, and lasts long into the future, no matter which government is in power.’

The announcement comes as the latest NHS England data revealed that in November more than 12,400 patients who were well enough to leave had to stay overnight because of lack of care available in the community. Data also found that without long term reforms, real social care costs are expected to double by 2038 compared to 2018, which is a cause of concern with a rising ageing population in England.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Practice Nursing and reading some of our peer-reviewed resources for general practice nurses. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Limited access to clinical or professional articles

  • New content and clinical newsletter updates each month