Government sets out bold vision for social care, but questions remain over delivery
Clive Makombera, partner and head of NHS at RSM UK, responds to the Prime Minister’s latest speech on social care: “The Prime Minister has set out a bold ambition for social care but delivering it will be the real test. Andy Burnham has announced plans for a National Care Service in England that would be free at the point of use, protect people’s savings and give greater recognition to care workers.
“The service is intended to be introduced in the next Parliament and funded partly through changes to the state pension triple lock from April 2030, which effectively becomes a double lock. This could represent a fundamental change to England’s health and care settlement. However, significant questions remain about the scope of the entitlement, workforce capacity, provider sustainability, local authority funding and accountability.
“Meaningful reform will require more than a new national institution. It will depend on government, the NHS, local authorities, independent providers and voluntary organisations working together around a credible implementation plan. Whilst the end goal is becoming clearer, the challenge that remains is building a sustainable route to get there.”