The government has set up an independent commission to “transform social care” but proposals for major reforms may not be tabled for years.
The two-part commission will be led by Baroness Louise Casey, with the final phase making its final recommendations for social care in England by the end of 2028.
Ministers announced the review, which will begin in April, as part of a wider package of support for the sector.
It includes more funding for elderly and disabled people to make home improvements and training for healthcare workers to carry out medical checks on patients at home.
Friday’s announcement marks the first step towards a National Care Service, which was promised by the Labor Party in its basic election manifesto.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Work has already begun to stabilize the care sector, invest in prevention and in carers and care workers.”
And he added: “The investments and reforms we announce today will help modernize social assistancemake it work more closely with the NHS and help implement our Plan for Change.
“But our aging society, with care costs set to double in the next 20 years, demands longer-term action.
“The independent commission will work to build a national consensus around a new National Care Service capable of meeting the needs of older and disabled people in the 21st century.”
The commission will be split into two phases: the first, reporting to Prime Minister Keir Starmer in mid-2026, will examine the issues facing social care and recommend medium-term reforms.
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The second phase is expected in 2028 and will make recommendations for the long term.
Baroness Casey said: “Millions of older people, disabled people, their families and carers depend on an effective adult social care system to live their lives to the full, with independence and dignity.
“An independent commission is an opportunity to start a national conversation, find solutions and build consensus on a long-term plan to fix the system. “I am pleased that the Prime Minister has asked me to lead this very important work.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, a strong supporter of welfare reform, said the commission “should have been set up a long time ago”.
He said: “2025 must be the year when our politics finally rises to the challenge of fixing care, reforming social care and properly supporting family carers too.
“This review of social care must be cross-party if it is to credibly stand the test of time and help save our NHS, so it is disappointing that the government has not even consulted on its mandate.”
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, welcomed the announcement but urged the government to “accelerate the moment”.
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He said the “current timeline” for reporting until 2028 is “too long to wait for people who need social care.”
Additional funding has also been committed to the Disabled Facilities Grant, which allows people to apply for funding to carry out work such as widening doors, improving access, installing ramps or stair lifts, or building an extension.
The £86 million increase for this financial year adds to the £86 million announced in the budget for the next financial year and brings the annual total to £711 million.
Around 7,800 elderly and disabled people could benefit, ministers estimate.
