Care England, the leading voice for adult social care providers in England, has responded to the publication of the Terms of Reference for the new Commission into the future of adult social care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey.
Care England welcomes the Commission’s ambition to establish a National Care Service and its recognition that support for older people and working-age adults must be considered distinctly. This is a thoughtful and necessary step, acknowledging the different challenges and approaches required across these groups. However, Care England is clear that the current structure — with final recommendations expected in 2028 and delivery envisaged over a decade — risks delaying vital action in a sector already at breaking point.
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:
“We welcome the establishment of this Commission and Baroness Casey’s leadership. It is a significant moment to put adult social care where it belongs — at the heart of national policy. But for too long, adult social care has been overlooked, underfunded, and misunderstood. This Commission must not become another exercise in managing decline or pushing reform into the political long grass and we must remember the adult social care sector is wide and diverse beyond older person and working age services.”
The Terms of Reference rightly speak to long-term transformation, but Care England is urging the Commission to set out clear interim steps to support the sector in the here and now — particularly on workforce pressures, provider sustainability, and the funding mechanisms that underpin access to care.
“Hundreds of thousands of people rely on care services every day — many of whom, frankly, cannot wait years for change,” continued Professor Green. “Hundreds and thousands of those drawing on care today, especially older people, may not live to see the benefits of a transformed system unless the Commission brings forward immediate improvements alongside its longer-term vision. We need bold interim steps, not just plans for a decade from now.”
The diversity of adult social care — spanning residential, nursing, supported living, home care, mental health, complex needs, and unpaid care — must also remain front and centre. While the division between older people and working-age adults is helpful and necessary, the Commission must recognise the full breadth and complexity of the sector and avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
“Care England is concerned that this structure implies reform is a distant prospect. If we continue to defer decisions, there is a real risk that the workforce will continue to dwindle, providers will exit the market, and access to care will become even more constrained. The Commission must lead the charge for immediate progress — not follow behind.”
Care England has committed to fully engaging with the Commission and contributing constructively to its work. But the message to Government is clear: the time for delivery is now.
“We don’t underestimate the scale of reform needed — and we welcome the principle of a ten-year plan,” said Professor Martin Green. “But if we’re not prepared to act in the short term, there may be little left to reform in the long term.”
