Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed his support for Andy Burnham to address the social care crisis in the UK, emphasizing that this issue has not received enough attention from Keir Starmer’s leadership. Streeting, who resigned from the Cabinet due to dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s leadership, stated that he believes Burnham will prioritize social care as the new leader.
Streeting highlighted his frustration about the lack of focus on essential social care issues since Labour came into power. He pointed out the critical questions of defining the role of social care and determining its funding, which have been historically neglected by governments. Streeting praised his past contributions to social care initiatives but stressed the urgency of elevating this issue on the government’s agenda.
Andy Burnham, who has personal experience with his father’s Alzheimer’s disease, is anticipated to outline his approach to tackling social care challenges this week. Streeting commended Burnham’s commitment, stating that he is confident in Burnham’s dedication to addressing the social care crisis effectively.
Unlike healthcare provided by the NHS, social care in the UK requires individuals to cover costs, leading some to sell their homes to afford necessary care. Burnham has vowed to prioritize this issue, promising to leverage his political influence to drive meaningful change.
Recent data revealed a significant increase in the number of individuals stuck in hospitals in England due to the lack of accessible social care services, indicating the urgency of addressing this crisis. A government source highlighted Burnham’s determination to tackle long-standing neglected issues and restore hope to the public.
Baroness Louise Casey is leading a review on adult social care, with initial recommendations set to be released later this year, followed by a second phase of reporting in 2028. Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of initiating a national dialogue on the provision and funding of social care to address the pressing challenges faced by the sector.
