Labour leader says reforming social care will be a top priority, describing current system as unfair and unsustainable
London: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to reform England’s social care system, vowing to succeed where successive governments have failed and tackle what he described as a “broken” system reliant on an overstretched public sector and private providers.
Speaking at a care home in London on Wednesday, Burnham said it was a “major dereliction of duty” that politicians had failed for decades to create a system that provides affordable and dignified care for people affected by age, illness or disability.
“I think social care in England is as unfair as American healthcare,” Burnham said. “The vulnerable pay with everything.”
The Labour leader, who became prime minister last week, said establishing a fairer social care system was one of his government’s key priorities.
Proposal for a National Care Service
Burnham said he would seek cross-party support to create a National Care Service, designed to operate alongside the state-funded National Health Service (NHS).
The move aims to address longstanding concerns over unequal access to care in a country facing an ageing population and increasing pressure on public services.
Acknowledging repeated failed reform attempts by previous governments, Burnham urged the public not to dismiss the latest effort.
“You’ve probably got a feeling of déjà vu,” he said. “Don’t have that. This time we’re going to do it.”
“It’s a major dereliction of public duty that Parliament has not faced up to this, of all challenges,” he added, arguing that political point-scoring had too often prevented meaningful change.
Personal commitment
Burnham acknowledged his own past involvement in unsuccessful reform efforts, having proposed social care changes while serving as health secretary under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009.
After spending a decade as Mayor of Greater Manchester before returning to national politics, he said the issue has become deeply personal because his father is living with Alzheimer’s disease.
“I’m making this a test of myself,” Burnham said. “I would never forgive myself if I left without having tried.”
Public consultation planned
The prime minister announced that social welfare expert Louise Casey will lead a nationwide consultation described as a “Big Conversation” to gather public views on the future of care services.
Casey said the initiative would seek to become a “game changer” and help redefine the relationship between the public and the care system.
Burnham has also invited opposition parties to participate in discussions, arguing that meaningful reform can only be achieved through political consensus.
The Conservative Party confirmed its health spokesperson would attend the talks, while Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also indicated he would participate.
Potential funding changes
Burnham acknowledged that improving social care could require difficult decisions, including potential tax increases.
His government will examine:
Pay and conditions for care workersTraining and career development in the sectorEligibility thresholds for state-funded careThe role of private companies operating care homes
He criticised the low wages earned by many care workers, describing their compensation as “poverty pay” despite the importance of their role.
The announcement marks the first major domestic policy initiative of Burnham’s premiership and places social care reform at the centre of the new government’s agenda.
