In his first major speech as Prime Minister, Andy Burnham focused on social care, but left a key question unanswered: how to pay for it. Speaking at a care home in north London, he launched a three-pronged assault to kick-start change, yet did not outline a funding mechanism.
The speech
Burnham, whose father suffers from Alzheimer's, used the address to blame “my generation of politicians” for failing 22 times over 27 years to tackle the crisis. He also criticised the media for hyperbolic headlines, pleading for everyone to help resolve the issue.
He was joined by Health Secretary Yvette Cooper and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. The Prime Minister fast-tracked a review by Baroness Casey, insisting it must be complete within one year—a move welcomed by campaigners and charities frustrated at the slow pace.
The missing funding plan
While Burnham said he wanted to put care workers at the heart of his plans, the big question of funding remains. Critics have pointed to a potential 10% care levy, which they call a “death tax”. Burnham reiterated his commitment to Labour’s manifesto on taxes and said he would look at other ways to pay for it, but offered no specifics.
He insisted that to solve the problem once and for all, “everyone” must do their bit—including cross-party talks with the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and possibly Reform UK and the Greens.
