Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has backed Andy Burnham to tackle Britain's social care crisis, expressing frustration that the issue was not a higher priority for Keir Starmer.
Streeting's Frustration with Starmer
Mr Streeting, who left the Cabinet in May over the Prime Minister's leadership, told Sky News on Sunday that fundamental questions about social care remain unaddressed since Labour returned to power. He said: "My frustration was, and I said this immediately after leaving the government, my frustration was I couldn't get social care high enough on the government's overall agenda."
Burnham's Personal Connection
Mr Burnham, whose father Roy has Alzheimer's disease and lives in a care home, is expected to outline his social care plans this week. Mr Streeting said he has "no doubt" that the new leader will prioritise the issue.
Funding and Hospital Delays
Unlike NHS care, social care is not free at the point of use, forcing many to sell their homes to cover costs. People with savings over £23,250 receive no help from local councils. Last month, 14,000 people were stuck in hospital daily in England due to a lack of social care placement capacity, a 70% increase since 2021.
Government Response
A No 10 source said: "Andy is going to run towards problems that have been neglected, giving people hope again." The source added that the Prime Minister is determined to show governments can improve lives. A review into adult social care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, is underway, with initial recommendations due later this year and a final report in 2028.
