Prime Minister announces major social care reform programme
On 29 July 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered a speech setting out his government's plans to reform adult social care in England. The speech set out a strong commitment to social care reform and expressed a desire to build cross-party consensus on this longstanding policy issue.
The key announcements are discussed below:
Fast-Tracked Independent Review
The Prime Minister announced that Baroness Louise Casey's Independent Commission on Adult Social Care has been asked to deliver its final recommendations by summer 2027 - a year earlier than previously planned. The review will focus on how to deliver a National Care Service that is “person-centred” and integrated with the NHS.
Alongside the review, Baroness Casey launched the "Big Conversation on Care", a public consultation inviting views on the principles underpinning a reformed system, including how much responsibility the state should take and how this care would be funded.
Workforce Reform
The government confirmed that a fair pay agreement for social care staff will come into effect in the 2028/29 financial year. The Prime Minister indicated he wishes to go further, including aligning social care pay more closely with NHS pay scales and establishing clearer career progression which would allow social care workers to move into NHS roles.
Cross-Party Engagement
The Prime Minister invited Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey to meet with him to begin cross-party discussions on reform. He acknowledged the process may require compromise, contrasting this approach with the 22 unsuccessful attempts to reform social care over the past 30 years.
Funding and Fiscal Implications
On funding, the Prime Minister did not rule out future tax rises but recommitted to Labour's manifesto pledge not to increase income tax, employee National Insurance, or VAT. He emphasised that immediate changes would be fully funded from existing resources. He acknowledged, however, that the Casey review's fuller recommendations are likely to require "difficult decisions" that will be put before the country "at the right time". Baroness Casey indicated that there is “room for a mixed market” in social care but criticised some private providers for “profiteering”.
Outlook
The announcements show a clear intent to move England toward a more integrated, publicly funded model of social care. Providers, local authorities, and investors in the care sector should monitor the Casey review closely and may consider engaging with the Big Conversation consultation. Organisations operating in the sector should note Baroness Casey’s remarks about "profiteering", which suggest increased regulatory scrutiny may follow.
Our team continues to monitor the opportunities and challenges facing the social care sector, including the evolving legal and regulatory landscape. We are available to provide advice to organisations navigating this area.
Co-authored by Philip Gaffney, Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
