National Care Service Remains a Key Labour Commitment, Says Streeting

According to reporting in The Times, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has strongly rejected suggestions that Labour is backing away from plans to establish a National Care Service.

A spokesperson for Streeting described claims that the policy had been dropped as “categorically untrue”, stating that he had actively supported the inclusion of a National Care Service in Labour’s election manifesto and continued to back its development through the ongoing social care review process.

Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto outlined plans for significant reform of adult social care, including the creation of a National Care Service supported by national standards aimed at delivering more consistent care across England. While the manifesto did not commit to establishing a separate standalone organisation, The Times reports that different structural options have been considered during policy discussions.

The government appointed Baroness Casey to lead an independent commission examining the future of social care. The commission is expected to publish its initial findings later this year, providing recommendations on how reforms could be implemented.

The concept of a National Care Service has a long history within Labour policy. Andy Burnham first advanced the proposal during his tenure as health secretary in 2009, with initial plans entering consultation before being discontinued following the change of government in 2010.

Burnham has continued to advocate for reform of the care sector, previously calling for stronger protections for vulnerable people and greater accountability within care provision.

Streeting has also repeatedly highlighted the need to address challenges facing social care, arguing that improving care services is essential to reducing pressure on the NHS. Speaking at Labour’s 2024 conference, he pledged a “new deal” for care workers, including measures to improve pay, working conditions and professional recognition, describing these reforms as an important step towards delivering a National Care Service.

The Times also reports that discussions are taking place across government about reducing bureaucracy and simplifying public administration. Ministers are examining whether some arm’s-length bodies and quangos could be merged into government departments or abolished altogether as part of wider state reform efforts.

Commenting on these efforts earlier this year, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said that layers of regulation, consultation requirements and public bodies can sometimes slow the delivery of government priorities.

Later Life Ambitions’ View

The renewed focus on social care reform reflects many of the priorities championed by Later Life Ambitions. We believe that older people deserve access to high-quality, sustainable care regardless of where they live.

As part of our campaign for a fairer care system, we are calling for:

• A National Social Care Framework that establishes minimum standards across the UK and ends the postcode lottery in access, quality and outcomes.
• A sustainable long-term funding settlement for social care, moving away from short-term crisis funding and exploring options such as a dedicated social care levy or ring-fenced taxation.
• Greater investment in the care workforce, including fair pay, professional development, training and clear career pathways.
• Stronger integration between health and social care services, ensuring older people experience seamless, joined-up care throughout later life.

We welcome the continued debate around social care reform and will continue to campaign for policies that deliver dignity, independence and security for older people and their families.