The government has launched an independent commission to “transform social care” – but proposals for major reform may not be delivered for years.
The two-part commission will be led by Baroness Louise Casey, with the latter phase set to make its final recommendations for social care in England by the end of 2028.
Ministers announced the review, which will begin in April, as part of a wider package of support for the sector.
It includes more funding for elderly and disabled people to make home improvements, and training for care workers to perform health checks for patients in the home.
Friday’s announcement marks the first step towards a National Care Service, which was pledged by Labour in its general election manifesto.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said work has “already begun on stabilising the care sector, investing in prevention, and in 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.
“But our ageing society, with costs of care set to double in the next 20 years, demands longer term action.
“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.”
The commission will be split over two phases with the first, reporting to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in mid-2026, looking at the issues facing social care and recommending medium-term reforms.
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The second phase is expected by 2028 and will make recommendations for the longer term.
Baroness Casey said: “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.
“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 the prime minister has asked me to lead this vital work.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, who is a loud advocate of social care reform, said the commission is “long overdue”.
He said: “2025 must be the year our politics finally rises to the challenge of fixing care – reforming social care and supporting family carers properly too.
“This social care review must be cross-party if it is to credibly stand the test of time and help save our NHS, so it’s disappointing that the government has failed even to consult on its remit.”
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at The King’s Fund, welcomed the announcement, but urged the government to “accelerate the timing”.
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She said the “current timetable” to report by 2028 is “far too long to wait for people who need social care”.
Additional funding has also been committed to the Disabled Facilities Grant, which allows people to apply for funding to carry out work such as widening doors, improving access, installing ramps or stairlifts, or building an extension.
The £86m boost for this financial year is on top of the £86m announced at the budget for the next financial year and brings the annual total to £711m.
About 7,800 more elderly and disabled people could benefit, ministers estimate.
