Andy Burnham has announced plans to create a National Care Service in the next parliament, funded by an adjustment to the state pension triple lock. The Labour leader stated this proposal aims to establish a new settlement for older people in the UK, providing free personal care and integrating with the NHS.
A New Settlement for Social Care
The proposed National Care Service is designed to address what Mr Burnham described as a broken social care system, which he believes is also contributing to the crisis in the NHS. He argues that millions of older people currently have unmet care needs and face having their savings wiped out by care bills.
Under the plan, the National Care Service would operate on NHS principles, ensuring everyone contributes and is covered. It would provide free personal care, covering basic human needs such as eating, dressing, and bathing. The service is envisioned to be integrated with the broader health system, with a preventative approach, and prioritising care delivered at home where possible. Mr Burnham has stated that he believes a National Care Service would become as significant as the creation of the NHS itself, according to an article in The Telegraph.
Funding Mechanism and Pension Changes
To fund the National Care Service, Mr Burnham proposes an adjustment to the state pension triple lock. He has pledged to keep the current triple lock throughout the present parliament. However, from April 2030, the adjusted triple lock would guarantee that the state pension rises annually by either inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher. It would also increase further when necessary to maintain its value relative to average earnings, protecting pensioners if inflation spikes or if wages rise. This adjustment, while meaning the state pension would not increase as quickly as it would under the current triple lock, is presented as a means to fix social care for everyone.
Political Reactions and Public Opinion
Mr Burnham’s announcement has generated varied reactions across the political spectrum and in the media. The Daily Mail dubbed it “Burnham’s triple shock” and described his speech as the “most left-wing speech” by a Prime Minister since the 1970s, while The Sun called it a “locky horror show”. The Daily Telegraph suggested the plan “sets up a major battle with the Conservatives and Reform UK.” Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called changing the triple lock a “betrayal” and argued that Nye Bevan, a Labour health secretary instrumental in founding the NHS, would be “spinning in his grave,” as reported by the BBC.
Conversely, The Guardian noted that Mr Burnham has “staked his future” on public backing for his “radical progressive policies.” The Financial Times, while describing his speech as “more a manifesto” than an “urgent action plan,” also placed him “among the most gifted communicators of the current political generation.” Leading public spending thinktanks, the Resolution Foundation and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, have both welcomed the proposal to adjust the pensions triple lock.
Early polling by YouGov, published by The Guardian, indicates public support for Mr Burnham’s plan. It suggests that 48% of voters back the proposal to adjust the triple lock to fund social care reform, compared to 28% who oppose it. When asked about establishing a National Care Service in isolation, 74% were overwhelmingly in favour, with only 11% against.
FAQ
- Q: What is the proposed National Care Service?
A: The National Care Service is a new initiative proposed by Andy Burnham, which would provide free personal care, including support with eating, dressing, and bathing. It aims to be integrated with the NHS and deliver care at home wherever possible. - Q: How will the National Care Service be funded?
A: The National Care Service will be funded by an adjustment to the state pension’s triple lock. - Q: How will the state pension triple lock be adjusted?
A: From April 2030, the state pension will be guaranteed to rise annually by either inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher. It will also increase further when necessary to track earnings over time. - Q: What is the public reaction to the plan?
A: A YouGov poll suggests 48% of voters support Andy Burnham’s plan to fund social care reform by adjusting the triple lock, compared to 28% who oppose it.
Sources