A senior minister has assured that the Labour party is actively addressing the challenges in adult social care, despite delays in implementing urgent reforms for elderly individuals. Stephen Kinnock highlighted the government’s increased funding for home-based support services and ongoing investigations by a significant commission into the struggling care system.
Acknowledging the financial burdens faced by families, the health minister expressed optimism that the Care Commission led by Baroness Casey might conclude its work earlier than the current 2028 deadline. Kinnock emphasized that proactive measures are being taken to enhance the care system and alleviate the need for individuals to sell their homes to cover care expenses.
During an interview with The Mirror, Kinnock emphasized that Labour is focused on resolving issues inherited from an ailing health and care system. He announced a £50 million boost for the Disabled Facilities Grant in 2025-26, aiming to assist around 5,000 more people in installing essential home adaptations like stairlifts and ramps. This funding increase demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting disabled and elderly individuals to remain in their homes, thus reducing strains on hospitals.
In addition to the grant scheme, Kinnock highlighted a £4.6 billion funding uplift for local authorities by 2028-29, including provisions for a Fair Pay Agreement to enhance workforce recruitment and retention in adult social care settings. The government initiated the Care Commission following Labour’s revision of a pledge to introduce a cap on lifetime care costs, citing financial constraints from the previous administration.
Kinnock empathized with the challenges faced by families considering selling homes to cover care costs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address the longstanding neglect of the care system. He called for a bipartisan approach to prevent the politicization of the issue during elections, stressing the importance of building consensus across party lines.
Despite criticism over the commission’s limited meetings, Kinnock defended the process, noting Baroness Casey’s efforts in gathering evidence nationwide. He expressed optimism that progress is being made in resolving pressing issues in the care sector and emphasized the importance of laying a solid foundation for future improvements in the system.