Social Care Reform: What it Could Mean for You & Your Loved Ones

For decades, politicians of every colour have promised to "fix social care." Yet for millions of older people and their families, finding and paying for care has remained one of the biggest worries in later life. Social care has become genuine headline news in recent weeks, after new Prime Minister Andy Burnham made it one of the first major priorities of his government following his appointment in July 2026. With the Government describing the current system as "broken" and committing to building a National Care Service that is fairer, easier to access and better integrated with the NHS, social care reform is currently one of the most talked-about issues in domestic politics. While many of the finer details are still being developed, the renewed focus on reform is welcome news for older people who have spent years navigating a system that can often feel confusing, expensive and inconsistent.

Why is social care such a big issue?

Unlike the NHS, social care is not free for everyone. Many people who need support with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, preparing meals or getting around their home are required to contribute towards the cost of that care. Depending on their financial circumstances, some people can end up paying tens of thousands of pounds, while others receive financial support from their local authority.

As our population continues to age, demand for care is increasing rapidly. At the same time, providers face rising costs, workforce shortages and increasing pressure to deliver high-quality services. The result is a system that many experts agree is under significant strain. Parliament, charities and organisations across the sector have repeatedly called for long-term reform rather than short-term funding announcements.

What has the Government announced?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office in July 2026, has made social care reform an early priority of his government, keeping it firmly in the headlines just weeks into his premiership. Yvette Cooper has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to help take this work forward.

Reform is being led by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey. The commission is looking at how to build a National Care Service that is genuinely integrated with the NHS, rather than treated as a separate system. Its work has included:

• A series of immediate, shorter-term recommendations published in spring 2026, including a fast-track assessment process for people with motor neurone disease, a new dementia lead and stronger national oversight of adult safeguarding.

• The launch of a "Big Conversation on Care," a nationwide public consultation inviting the public to help shape what a future care system should look like.

• Ongoing cross-party talks, bringing together representatives from the main political parties to try to build lasting consensus on reform, something previous attempts at social care reform have often struggled to achieve.

• A fuller set of recommendations on the long-term shape of the system and how it should be funded, which has now been brought forward to be published in summer 2027 rather than 2028.

On funding, ministers have said that immediate changes will be paid for from existing budgets, and have ruled out raising income tax, employee National Insurance or VAT to pay for reform. However, the Government has been open that the commission's fuller recommendations are likely to involve difficult decisions about long-term funding, which will be put to the country in due course.

Importantly, no final decisions have yet been made about exactly how a new system will work or how it will be paid for in the long run, and some in the sector, including Baroness Casey herself, have voiced frustration about the pace of progress so far. This is a reminder that, while the direction of travel is clearer than it has been for some time, real change is still a work in progress rather than something that has already arrived.

What could this mean for older people?

If meaningful reform is achieved, it has the potential to make life significantly easier for older people and their families.

A simpler system could make it easier to understand what support is available and who pays for it. Better integration between the NHS and social care could reduce delays when people leave hospital and improve the coordination of services. Greater investment in the care workforce could also help providers recruit and retain skilled carers, improving continuity and quality of care. The public consultation is also an opportunity for older people and carers to have a direct say in shaping what the new system looks like, rather than having it designed without their input.

However, it is important to remember that these changes will take time. Many proposals remain under consultation, and large-scale reform cannot happen overnight. Older people who need support today still require practical advice and access to local services now, rather than waiting for future policy changes.

What can you do while reform is under way?

You don't need to wait for national reform to get support or make your voice heard. In the meantime, it's worth:

• Getting a free, independent benefits check to make sure you're receiving everything you're entitled to.

• Asking your local authority for a care needs assessment if you think you or a family member may need support. This is free, regardless of your finances.

• Finding out whether you might be eligible for financial help towards care costs before assuming you'll have to pay in full.

• Taking part in the Big Conversation on Care consultation if you'd like to share your own experiences and views.

• Getting independent advice early, rather than waiting until a crisis point, so you understand your options in advance.

What does this mean for Wigan Borough?

At Age UK Wigan Borough, we see every day how important good social care is. For many older people, remaining independent isn't just about medical care. It is about having the right support at the right time.

Whether that's someone helping with shopping, preparing meals, keeping a home safe and tidy, offering companionship, or providing trusted information and advice, early support can often prevent bigger problems developing later.

We know that many local families are worried about rising costs, waiting times and understanding what help they are entitled to. While national reforms may shape the future, our priority remains helping older people across Wigan Borough navigate the support available today.

We're Here to Help

Whatever changes happen nationally, one thing remains constant: nobody should have to face later life alone.

If you or someone you know is worried about staying independent, needs advice about accessing support, or would benefit from practical help at home, Age UK Wigan Borough is here to help. From Information & Advice and benefit checks to our Support at Home services, wellbeing activities and companionship opportunities, our team is committed to helping older people live well, safely and independently.

Social care reform may be making the headlines, but for us, supporting older people isn't about future promises. It's about making a difference every single day.