Pensioners will welcome Andy Burnham's commitment to social care free at the point of use, akin to the NHS, but worry they may never see it in their lifetimes, according to Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices. Reed also expressed anger that opponents of the triple lock are using the social care crisis to undermine the state pension.
Massive U-turn on reform timetable
The Prime Minister's recent remarks on the social care crisis concealed a significant reversal on the timetable for reform, Reed argued. During his Makerfield election campaign, Burnham said he wanted decisions on social care reform to be taken by the end of 2026.
Now, however, he has adopted the same timetable as Sir Keir Starmer, which he had previously criticised – including proposals for reform in the 2029 Labour manifesto.
Impact on older people and Casey review
Reed noted that thirty thousand older people in England died last year waiting for social care support that could have extended their lives. Leaving the resolution of the crisis to the outcome of a general election would be a death sentence for many more, he said.
Burnham has also undermined the Casey review, Reed claimed, by giving her the required outcome, which Silver Voices happens to agree with. Casey's central question in her Big Conversation is “when we are old and disabled, who should support us and how?” She will now have to scrap this approach and give the Prime Minister advice on implementing his plans.
Triple lock defended
While options for funding free social care need discussion, scrapping the triple lock is not one of them, Reed said, as it would raise minuscule amounts in the medium term. Most opponents of the lock instead refer to an earnings link – but next year, that is precisely how pensions will be increased, he noted.
Reed added that increasing pensioner poverty would increase pressures on the NHS and social care and reduce pensioners' ability to contribute to a growing economy. In his speech on Tuesday, Burnham must state what he will do in this Parliament to repair the crumbling social care system and end speculation over the future of the triple lock.
