British Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged Wednesday to fix the nation's social care system, which he described as "broken" and reliant on an overstretched public sector and private companies.
Burnham, who became prime minister last week, called the failure of successive governments to provide affordable and decent care a "major dereliction of duty." He drew a parallel to the American healthcare system, stating, "I think social care in England is as unfair as American healthcare. The vulnerable pay with everything."
His priority is to address the inconsistent access to social care for individuals with age-related needs, illness, or disabilities. This issue is particularly pressing in the United Kingdom due to an aging population and a strained public health infrastructure.
Burnham announced his intention to establish a "national care service" that would complement the National Health Service, a post-World War II public healthcare system. He aims to collaborate with other political parties to achieve this goal.
"You’ve probably got a feeling of déjà vu. Don’t have that. This time we’re going to do it," Burnham stated in a speech at a London care home. He contended that "politicians have put point-scoring before fixing this issue."
Burnham acknowledged his own past involvement in unsuccessful social care reform proposals in 2009 when he served as health secretary. Now, after a decade away from government as mayor of Greater Manchester, he said the issue has become personal, citing his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis.
"I’m making this a test of myself. I would never forgive myself if I left without having tried," he said.
To facilitate public input, Burnham announced that social welfare expert Louise Casey will lead a "Big Conversation" to gather public perspectives on care. Casey described the initiative as a potential "game changer that tries to renegotiate the social contract with the public."
The prime minister extended invitations to opposition leaders for discussions on the matter, emphasizing the need for common ground among rival politicians. The Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats confirmed their representatives would attend. Reform UK, an anti-immigration party, stated it did not receive an invitation.
Burnham indicated a willingness to pursue unpopular changes, potentially including tax increases, to enact reforms. He also committed to improving pay, training, and the professional status of care workers, many of whom he said work for "poverty pay." The government will also examine the financial thresholds for state-funded care and the role of private companies that own a significant portion of care homes.