THE government has been urged to speed up a new independent commission on how to fund and reform social care in England.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced that the two-phase commission, led by Baroness Louise Casey, will begin in April — but won’t make recommendations until 2028.

The first phase will report to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in mid-2026, looking at the issues facing social care and recommending medium-term reforms.

The second phase is expected by 2028 and will make recommendations for the longer term.

The King’s Fund chief executive Sarah Woolnough urged 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.”

The Labour Party pledged a “programme of reform to create a national care service” in its manifesto.

Mr Streeting said: “The independent commission 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.”

Baroness Casey added: “An independent commission is an opportunity to start a national conversation, find the solutions and build consensus on a long-term plan to fix the system. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has asked me to lead this vital work.”

Chair of the Local Government Association councillor Louise Gittins said: “The announcement of an independent review of adult social care marks a potentially important step in addressing the significant challenges facing the sector.”

An £86 million boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant has also been announced for this financial year.

Unison head of social care Gavin Edwards said: "Long-term neglect has left social care with a workforce crisis. The fragmented, profit-driven sector is unable to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of people who are in need. The sooner pay and standards are reformed, the better.

“This commission must work to a strict timeframe and focus on how to establish a national care service, not on whether one is needed. Urgent work to deliver a fair pay agreement must also be delivered without delay. Both major reforms are vital to retain and recruit skilled staff, and to support those they look after.

"Unison has led the campaign to create a national service that provides world-class care for everyone who needs it. The government must make it a priority to turn this vision into a reality."

social care
Labour
Britain
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