The taskforce, to be led by the crossbench peer Louise Casey, will be charged with developing plans for a new national care service, a Labour manifesto pledge, in the biggest shake-up to social care in England in decades.
Millions of pounds in funding to improve and adapt homes for older and disabled people and help them stay out of hospital are also being announced today, as part of a wider package of support.
But the proposed timeline for completion of the commission's work has been criticised by health and care leaders, who say the adult social care crisis is being "kicked into the long grass" by ministers. An interim report will be delivered in 2026. The final report is not expected until 2028.
Writing in the Guardian, Wes Streeting said: "It will take time, but Casey's work will finally grasp this nettle and set our country on the path to building a national care service that meets the urgent need of our generation, guarantees quality care to all who need it, and lasts long into the future, no matter which government is in power."
The health secretary added: "By 2050, there will be four million more people over the age of 65 in England than there are now. If we do nothing, real social care costs are expected to nearly double by 2038 compared to 2018 numbers.
"Many more people will be left without the care they need, the burdens will fall on the health service, and our NHS will be overwhelmed."
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 03, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin January 03, 2025 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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