Key facts
- Andy Burnham is seeking cross-party consensus on social care reforms.
- He invited Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey to talks.
- Burnham will deliver a speech on Wednesday outlining steps to reform the adult social care system.
- The system is underfunded and has seen numerous failed reform attempts.
- Access to state-funded social care is means-tested and requires a high level of need.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to overhaul the adult social care system, offering to work with other parties to better fund a service that can cost families hundreds of thousands of pounds. Burnham, who became prime minister last week, faces political risk in addressing the long-standing issue, as he will need to outline how any changes will be paid for while adhering to fiscal rules.
Successive governments have struggled to reform social care, with previous proposals failing due to political opposition. The system, which is not free at the point of use for most people in England and Northern Ireland, is means-tested and generally requires a high level of need. Despite an ageing population, the number of older people receiving state-funded care has fallen by 10% over the past decade due to tighter eligibility criteria.
Burnham has invited the leaders of the opposition Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties to discuss the issue. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, is sending a representative, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey will attend remotely. A Conservative source criticized the invitation for its short notice. Burnham previously attempted to reform social care funding as health minister under Gordon Brown but faced political difficulties.
Care homes are operated by various providers, including private equity-owned chains. Residents privately pay around £1,400 per week, while local authorities are charged around £1,000 for similar care, with the resident's contribution determined by their wealth. Burnham has stated that without reform, the National Health Service could collapse due to people who could be cared for elsewhere ending up in hospitals. English local authorities spent £34.5 billion on social care in the 2024/25 financial year.