STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to put a plan for a universal social care service before voters at the next general election. He said care should operate on principles similar to the NHS, with services free at the point of use and the cost spread across the population.
Burnham said the detailed proposal would include a precise explanation of how the system would be funded. He acknowledged that the plan could require difficult or unpopular choices, but said the present system was unfair and placed unsustainable pressure on families and the health service.
The Prime Minister does not intend to introduce the new system during the current Parliament, with the next general election due by mid 2029. His commitment leaves the final design and tax implications unresolved while placing social care reform at the centre of Labour’s programme for a possible second term.