The launch officially marks the first steps towards the government’s plans of ‘delivering a national care service’.
First announced at the beginning of this year, progress has finally begun on the Casey Commission – an initiative established by Baroness Louise Casey to tackle the leading challenges in the social care sector and ultimately provide a national care service.
Today’s date (Friday 2nd May) marks a significant milestone. The government have revealed the terms of reference for the commission, and it is understood they will report directly to the prime minister and the scheme will be spilt over two phases.
The first phase of the commission is set to focus on introducing a plan to implement a national care service. The government have said the commission ‘should start a national conversation’ about the expectations of adult social care and ‘build consensus’ with the public on how current and future needs can be met.
What’s more, funding for council’s adult social care services as well as the NHS is also due to be considered within the initial stage, which the government said is looking at ‘medium term reform’.
‘It was important that the first act of this commission should be about hearing from those with real, lived experience of the current social care system,’ Baroness Casey said. ‘I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this important work, shaping a social care system that supports people to lead fulfilling, dignified and enriched lives.’
Meanwhile, the focus for the second phase of the commission is expected to offer more concrete recommendations. This includes the consideration of alternative models in future ‘to deliver a fair and affordable adult care system’.
Though these plans have largely been welcomed with open arms, the timeline for which they will be introduced has left many disappointed to say the least. While it has already been announced that the first phase of the commission would report in 2026, it has now been revealed some of its recommendations may not see reality for another decade.
Additionally, the second phase of the commission might not report until 2028, which is just a mere year from when the next general election could take place.
Commenting on the news, Age UK have said the timeline will ‘deeply disappoint many older people and their families’ and risks bringing change ‘far too late’ for many.
On the subject of disappointment, Cllr David Fothergill, chair of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board said: ‘Today’s (02/05/25) announcement marks a crucial starting moment in securing the best possible future for adult social care.
‘Positive and meaningful reform of adult social care is something we should all be interested in. At its best, it helps adults live the lives they want, plays a crucial role alongside other public services, such as the NHS, and is a major employer in communities across the country.’
‘However, the Commission faces a challenging task, with its work taking place amidst a landscape of budgetary and practical obstacles which must be overcome if we are to build a system, we can all be proud of,’ he continued. ‘Crucial to achieving the Commission’s objectives will be drawing on the vast experience of councils, who play an essential role in designing and delivering these services in collaboration with many local partners. Most importantly, the views, experiences and hopes of people who draw on care – and their loved ones – must sit at the heart of this work.’
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