Britain has a social care crisis. Here’s how Labour plans to fix it | Wes Streeting
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Labour's Social Care Reform Plan Delayed Until 2028
Above: UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting leaves 10 Downing Street after attending the weekly Cabinet meeting in London, England, on Dec. 3, 2024. Image copyright: Rasid Necati Aslim/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Labour narrative
While critiques over the review's length are valid, the Casey Commission’s phased approach balances urgent fixes, like increasing the Disabled Facilities Grant and integrating care platforms, with long-term reform. It aims to break decades of political stalemates and build a fair, sustainable system. Accelerating timelines would help, but the focus on immediate improvements ensures progress while shaping lasting change.
Tory narrative
This reform agenda is too slow and redundant, with final recommendations delayed until 2028 despite over 20 prior reviews. Political divides on state and family roles will also hinder Labour's empty call for bipartisan consensus, while staff shortages, hospital discharge issues, and high costs worsen. Without immediate action and political will, this plan will become another stalled effort, deepening the crisis further.