The King’s Fund responds to the Prime Minister’s comments that the NHS ‘will collapse’ without adult social care reform

Responding to the prime minister’s comments that the NHS ‘will collapse’ without adult social care reform, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, said:

‘For decades social care reform has been passed from one government to the next, consigned to the politically ‘too difficult’ box. The Prime Minister’s willingness to confront the issue within his first weeks in office signals clear determination and that ambition should be welcomed. 

‘It’s true that an underfunded social care system places significant strain on the NHS, with many people stuck in hospital longer than they need to be waiting for care. And too many people end up using NHS services when they would be better served at home or in residential care if the support was available. However, social care is about far more than relieving pressure on the NHS or reducing delayed discharges. At its heart, it is about helping people live independently and with dignity.   

‘There is a lot at stake. Debates about social care are too often haunted by ‘death tax’ rhetoric and the costs of improving the system rather than focused on the tangible benefits reform could bring for people and families. If the prime minister wants to succeed where previous governments have failed, he must make a positive case for reform and build a shared understanding of why change matters.’ 

On reports that the Casey Commission will publish its findings earlier than planned:

‘Since the Casey Commission was established, we've urged the government to accelerate its timetable, so bringing forward its findings is welcome. But the commission was just about to begin engaging with the public and that should not be lost in the drive for speed. Even if the timetable is shortened, the commission must involve the public and use this opportunity to build understanding of social care and what reform could mean for people and their families.’

On reports that a more universal model will fund adult social care:

‘A fairer more universal state system would mean the risk of huge individual care bills would be shared across the population as a whole rather than falling on individuals and families. Under the current system, around a quarter of a million people with high care needs do not qualify for any state-funded support and must front the bill themselves. Moving towards a model based on the NHS principle will therefore be welcomed by many, but important questions remain about how far it would go in practice and the fairest way of funding it.’