British Prime Minister Andy Burnham will hold cross party talks with opposition leaders on Wednesday as he seeks to build political consensus for long awaited reforms to England’s social care system, warning that failure to act would place growing pressure on the National Health Service (NHS).
Burnham has invited representatives of the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats to discuss proposals aimed at overhauling the care sector, while accelerating the work of the independent Casey Commission, which is reviewing options for reform.
According to the BBC, Burnham is expected to argue that successive governments have delayed tackling the challenges facing social care and that lasting reform will require cooperation across party lines. He has previously warned that the NHS risks being overwhelmed if social care services are not improved.
The prime minister is expected to announce plans to speed up the timetable for the Casey Commission, led by Baroness Louise Casey, which is examining long term solutions for England’s care system. Casey told the BBC that the current system is “fairly bust” and called for stronger community based care to reduce pressure on hospitals.
Health Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to join Burnham at Wednesday’s event, where the government will also launch a public consultation seeking views on the future of adult social care.
The Conservative Party confirmed that Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew would attend the talks on behalf of party leader Kemi Badenoch, who is unavailable. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said he would participate remotely and reiterated his support for reforms that place family carers at the centre of the system.
Reform UK criticised its exclusion from the discussions, while the Green Party also expressed disappointment at not being invited, although its leaders welcomed efforts to seek broader political agreement.
Adult social care in England is means tested, with many people required to contribute significantly toward their care costs. Campaigners and care providers have long argued that the existing system leaves many families facing financial hardship while increasing pressure on hospitals and local authorities.
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