Andy Burnham has pledged to use his political capital to fix Britain’s broken social care system, outlining plans for a “National Care Service” if Labour wins the next election. He argues that a person-centred, high-quality care service should start in the home, ensuring everyone contributes and everyone is covered.
Scotland has operated free personal care since 2002, initially for over-65s and later extended to all adults in need. However, the Scottish experience highlights ongoing limitations. Residents still cover accommodation and living costs in care homes, and those with assets above £36,750 must meet these costs themselves. Sir Andrew Dilnot, economist and architect of England’s proposed care cost cap, argues the Scottish system leaves families exposed to high bills. “Someone in a residential care home in Scotland receives weekly state support of £260 against a weekly bill of £930 or more, leaving a gap of £670 if they fail the means test,” he said.
Scotland’s divergence stems from 1999, when Sir Stewart Sutherland’s commission recommended free personal care funded by general taxation. The UK Labour government rejected it for England, but the Scottish executive adopted it after devolution. Sebastian Rees, head of health at IPPR, believes free personal care expands access and builds political support, though it won’t solve all problems.
Burnham’s National Care Service idea was considered by the Scottish government, which last year abandoned a structural reorganisation after losing support from councils, unions and opposition parties. Scotland’s system faces pressures from an ageing population and tighter council finances. Spending per person on adult social care was £689 in Scotland versus £506 in England, according to the IFS. Different eligibility thresholds create a postcode lottery, and care covers basic tasks like washing but not shopping.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing