New NHS-style social care system could take decades, Dilnot says
Economist Sir Andrew Dilnot warns that implementing a comprehensive, NHS-style social care system in England could take decades due to significant funding challenges. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed interest in free social care but faces constraints from existing manifesto pledges regarding tax increases.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between the public desire for universal social care and the fiscal realities of funding such a massive expansion of the welfare state.
Image source, Getty Images By Becky Morton Political reporter Published 1 hour ago A new NHS-style social care system for England could take decades to be implemented, economist Sir Andrew Dilnot has told the BBC.
Sir Andrew, who led a commission proposing reform of the system 15 years ago, said Prime Minister Andy Burnham appeared to want social care to be completely free, including residential costs.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the cost of such a scheme would be "very substantial".
And with Burnham promising to put his plans before voters at the next general election, Sir Andrew said change "is now further away".
Adult social care provides state support to help people live more independently, including assistance at home.
However, unlike the NHS, social care is not free at the point of use in England, leaving some people facing huge bills.
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