Plans for long-term funding and reform of social care may not be delivered until 2028, says govt

PLANS for the long-term funding and reform of social care in England may not be delivered until 2028, the Government says.

It comes as ministers announced the first steps to creating a National Care Service.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting will today vow to “modernise” the ­industry.

He is set to launch an independent commission — to be chaired by Baroness Louise Casey — on how to set up the National Care Service.

But she will not report back until next year on issues facing social care.

A second phase — with recommendations for the longer term — is not expected until 2028.

Sarah Woolnough, of the King’s Fund think-tank, said: “We urge the Government to accelerate the timing.”

But Mr Streeting said: “The investment and reforms we’re announcing today will help to modernise social care, get it working more closely with the NHS, and help deliver our Plan for Change.”

The plans include a cash boost for disabled people to adapt their homes — £86million this year and another £86million next year.

Care workers will get better training and career choices in a bid to stem resignations.

A tech revolution will make social care “fully digitised” within five years so carers can get NHS medical info swiftly.

Care minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Baroness Casey’s commission will build cross-party consensus and is a once in a generation opportunity.”

About 818,000 people receive government-funded social care, costing £28billion a year.

Health chiefs believe stronger care services will free up beds and take pressure off the NHS.