Andy Burnham’s social care plan could include tax rises as he speeds up a review and pushes for cross-party backing.
Andy Burnham’s social care plan has moved to the center of the political debate in England, with the prime minister not ruling out tax rises as part of a push to overhaul adult care. He said governments had failed for years to deal with a crisis he described as a major dereliction of public duty, and he vowed to finally fix it.
Speaking at a care home in north London, Burnham said the issue had long been treated in Westminster as too risky to touch, even though the cost of doing nothing is greater. His outline includes a new national care service, better pay and training for care workers, and closer ties between social care and the NHS. He also said a review led by Baroness Casey will be brought forward and published next summer rather than in 2028.
Burnham has already opened cross-party talks in an effort to build backing for any changes. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joined the discussions, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch sent shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew in her place. Andrew said any reform must be supported by a clear, credible and fully costed plan that delivers better care and value for taxpayers. Reform UK and the Green Party were left out of the talks, drawing criticism from both parties.
“Andy Burnham’s social care plan could include tax rises as he speeds up a review and pushes for cross-party backing.”
The prime minister tied the policy fight to a personal one, praising the carers looking after his father, who has Alzheimer's, and saying he wants change for “my dad and the millions like him.” He argued that social care should be fixed before the assisted dying debate moves forward, and said reform could ease pressure on the NHS as well as reduce costs for families. Burnham said the review should also examine how to pay for a national care service and how to build a system that is highly integrated with the health service.
Pressed on whether tax rises would be needed, Burnham said the first step was to do more with existing money and insisted the workforce measures he announced would be fully funded. He added that some broader changes would require difficult decisions, but said the public would be told honestly and asked for consent. The long-running dispute over social care funding is far from settled, but Burnham said another round of delay is not an option. For ordinary families, the fight is about whether care in England stays a burden that can wipe out savings or becomes a system people can trust.
Frequently asked questions
What is Burnham proposing for social care?
He wants a new national care service, better pay and training for care workers, and tighter integration between social care and the NHS.
Will tax rises be needed to pay for the plan?
Burnham did not rule them out, but said the first step is to do more with existing money. He said some broader changes would require difficult decisions and public consent.
When will the Casey review be published?
Burnham said the review led by Baroness Casey will be brought forward and published next summer, rather than in 2028.
Which parties are involved in the cross-party talks?
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey joined the talks, and Conservative representative Stuart Andrew attended for Kemi Badenoch. Reform UK and the Green Party were excluded.
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