Andy Burnham Pledges National Care Service to Save NHS

Prime Minister Andy Burnham launched a comprehensive three-point plan on July 29, 2026, to overhaul England's adult social care system, which he described as a "major dereliction of public duty" by previous governments. Speaking from a care home in London, Burnham warned that the National Health Service faces collapse unless the social care system is fixed. His strategy focuses on creating a national care service free at the point of use, improving workforce pay and training to align with NHS standards, and accelerating an independent review led by Baroness Louise Casey to 2027.

Funding the estimated £18 billion annual cost has sparked intense political conflict. While Burnham maintained manifesto pledges not to raise VAT, national insurance, or workers' income tax, he acknowledged that "difficult decisions" and potential new taxes are necessary. Government officials have considered a 1.8% levy on earnings above £6,240 for workers aged 34 and older. Other proposals include a 10% flat levy on inheritances to replace existing inheritance tax—a move critics from Reform UK and the Conservatives have labeled a "death tax."

To build a "social consensus," Burnham convened cross-party talks with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey. While Davey described the talks as constructive, Badenoch declined to attend personally, sending shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew and insisting that reforms be funded through spending cuts. Nigel Farage of Reform UK condemned the Prime Minister for excluding his party and the Greens, calling the initiative "uniparty in action."