Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to introduce a national social care system in England that operates on the same principles as the National Health Service, ensuring universal coverage funded through collective contributions. The proposal is set to be a central plank of the Labour Party’s agenda ahead of the next general election.
Speaking to the BBC, Burnham described the vision as one where “everyone contributes, everyone is covered.” He acknowledged that financing such a transformation could involve tax increases, admitting the prospect might be “difficult or unpopular” for some voters, but insisted that no funding option was currently being ruled out.
Burnham, who has long championed social care reform, cited the recent passing of his father, Roy Burnham, who died earlier this month after living with Alzheimer’s disease. He contrasted the current English system with those in Scotland and Wales, where free personal care is already available, arguing that it is unjust for residents in England to lack similar protections.
Currently, adult social care in England is not free at the point of use. Individuals with savings exceeding £23,250 are required to fund their own care, a structure Burnham criticized as being “as unfair as American healthcare,” where the most vulnerable can face financial ruin.
To develop the framework for this new system, the Prime Minister has accelerated the timeline for Baroness Casey’s independent review. Originally scheduled to report in 2028, the review will now deliver its findings by next summer. Burnham emphasized that the final plan would be subject to cross-party talks to build consensus before being presented to the public.
When confronted with estimates suggesting a universal free-at-the-point-of-use system could cost taxpayers £18 billion annually, Burnham disputed the figure, stating it was “not that high.” He noted that citizens already bear significant costs under the existing regime.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp responded sharply, characterizing the proposal as a cover for further tax hikes and confirming that the Conservatives would not support the measures. Burnham also addressed tensions with his party’s 2024 manifesto commitments, which pledged not to raise national insurance, income tax, or VAT. He explained that while he intended to honor existing promises, meaningful reform would ultimately require a public mandate won at the ballot box.
£18 billion annually and they say ‘not that high’? I’ll believe it when I see the tax breakdown, not just the press release.
Finally, someone tackling the postcode lottery. Free care at the point of need is a moral duty, not a political fantasy.