Burnham Holds Cross-Party Talks on Social Care Reform

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is meeting with Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders in an effort to build cross-party agreement on long-term reform of England’s adult social care system. The talks form part of the government’s commitment to end decades of political deadlock over social care funding and delivery.

Burnham has said he wants a “problem-solving, not point-scoring” approach and believes lasting reform can only succeed if it commands support across Parliament. The government has invited the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to participate in discussions, although Reform UK and the Green Party have not been included in the initial talks.

Alongside the talks, the government has accelerated the independent review of adult social care, led by Baroness Louise Casey, with recommendations now expected next year rather than in 2028. The review will examine options for creating a National Care Service in England, improving workforce standards and developing a more sustainable funding model.

Speaking ahead of the discussions, Burnham described the current system as “broken” and said successive governments had failed to resolve the issue. He also confirmed the government remains committed to Labour’s existing manifesto pledges not to increase income tax, National Insurance or VAT, although he acknowledged that “difficult decisions” may still be required as reforms are developed.

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