Dementia UK has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make difficult decisions to tackle the social care crisis, as he invited opposition leaders for urgent talks.
Burnham vows to reform social care
Andy Burnham on Thursday said the government has reached a fair pay agreement for the 2028/29 financial year but wants broader reform to support the drained social care workforce. He accused previous politicians of a 'shameful' response to an issue that plunges families into debt and poverty. The Prime Minister, whose father has Alzheimer's, promised to help 'my dad and the millions like him'.
His first steps include accelerating Baroness Louise Casey's review of social care to report next year, drawing up workforce reforms, and holding cross-party talks with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.
Dementia UK calls for urgent action
James White, Head of Campaigns at Dementia UK, told the Mirror: 'Families affected by dementia have waited far too long for a social care system that works for them. Every day, Dementia UK hears from people navigating a fragmented system, often without specialist support, pushing them to crisis point. Bringing forward the Commission’s timetable is a positive step in recognising the urgent need for reform.'
He added: 'A national conversation on this scale is an important opportunity to hear directly from people who use social care and the families who support them. People affected by dementia must be at its heart, and their experiences must meaningfully shape the Casey Commission’s recommendations and the Government's response.'
White continued: 'Baroness Casey has already recognised the need for better support for people affected by dementia. The Government must now turn that recognition into practical reform. The real test will be whether families can access co-ordinated, specialist support from diagnosis through to the end of life.'
Backing from campaigners
Martin Frizell, husband of TV favourite and former Mirror columnist Fiona Phillips, said Burnham's proposals offer hope. Frizell began caring for Phillips after her early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2022. He has urged the government to do more for carers.
Age UK also welcomed Burnham's speech. Caroline Abrahams, the charity's director, said: 'The Prime Minister made clear today that he is totally committed to fundamental social care reform and that can only be a good thing for older people.' She added: 'It’s right that the Prime Minister has asked Louise Casey to accelerate her independent commission so it reports in a year’s time and we hope the Big Conversation she launched today will help to draw out what the public want to see from social care, as well as thinking through the funding options.'
