Adult social care reform cannot afford to wait

The UK government has announced its approach for social care—establishing yet another commission.1 In its 2024 election manifesto Labour pledged to create a “national care service” (without explaining what this means), tackle low pay for care workers, and “build consensus for the longer term reform needed.”2

Meanwhile, social care is in crisis. Analysis suggests that age adjusted spending per person will be at least 5% lower in 2024-25 than in 2009-10, and that an additional £8.3bn a year could be needed by 2032-33 to keep up with rising demand.3 Age UK estimates that two million people aged ≥65 have unmet needs for care and support,4 and analysis by Healthwatch suggests that up to 1.5 million disabled adults of working age could be eligible for social care support but are not receiving it.5 There are 131 000 staff vacancies,6 and some 81% of councils are due to overspend their adult social care budget in the current financial year. More than one third have had to make in-year budget savings, in addition to the almost £1bn of savings planned for 2024-25.7

The government has proposed an independent commission, chaired by …