Governments failed to act on social care, review head says

Baroness Casey has accused successive governments of being "asleep at the wheel" regarding the state of social care in England. Addressing a conference of social care leaders on Wednesday, she described the current situation as "a national shame" and admitted, "We've got our heads in the sand."

The remarks follow a recent Covid inquiry report, which found the care sector was treated as "something of an afterthought" early in the pandemic, enabling the virus to spread like "wildfire". Research from the commission led by Baroness Casey indicates that England lacks a "clear system of stewardship" for care, leaving it as an international outlier compared to nations such as France and Germany.

Baroness Casey further criticised the Care Quality Commission, describing the regulator as "a spectator at the site of a car crash". She noted that the market is currently dominated by private providers, while those paying for their own care are charged 40% more on average than the rates paid by councils.

The commission highlighted that individuals with identical conditions often face vastly different experiences regarding assessment processes, waiting times, and support levels based on their location. Although the Starmer government established the Casey commission, she remains optimistic about future reforms.

"Together, we can build a new settlement for care," Baroness Casey said. She added that any new system should be "One based on values I still believe this country shares – decency, contribution and a duty to care for our neighbours, our loved ones and ourselves." Her final recommendations for adult disability and elderly care services are due to be published next summer.