GOV UK,New reforms and independent commission to transform social care

New reforms and independent commission to transform social care

• Statement from the Department of Health and Social Care
• Published 3 January 2025

The government has today announced a package of reforms to transform adult social care in England, including the creation of an independent commission to make long-term recommendations for the future of the system.

The reforms, which will be introduced in phases over the next 3 years, are designed to address the long-standing challenges facing social care, including underfunding, a lack of capacity, and a workforce crisis.

The key measures in the package include:

• A new Health and Care Visa to attract and retain social care workers from overseas
• A £500 million investment in training and workforce development
• A new national care service to provide seamless care for people with complex needs
• A cap on care costs to protect people from the catastrophic costs of long-term care
• An independent commission on the future of social care to make recommendations for long-term reform

The government is also working with local authorities and providers to develop new models of care that are more personalised, integrated, and affordable.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:

“Social care is a vital part of our health and care system, but it has been underfunded and understaffed for too long. This package of reforms will transform social care in England, ensuring that people can access the high-quality care they need and deserve.”

The independent commission on the future of social care will be chaired by Sir Andrew Dilnot, the economist who led the Dilnot Commission on the funding of long-term care in 2011. The commission will make recommendations on a wide range of issues, including:

• The long-term funding of social care
• The future of the social care workforce
• The role of technology in social care
• The integration of health and social care

The commission is expected to report back to the government in 2026.

Notes to editors

1. The government has committed to spending an additional £5.4 billion on social care over the next 3 years.
2. The Health and Care Visa will be launched in spring 2025.
3. The national care service will be introduced in 2027.
4. The cap on care costs will be introduced in 2028.

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