Headline: Andy Burnham Plans Free Social Care for Everyone in England

Date: 27 September 2026

Tags: UK Politics, Social Care, NHS, Labour

Summary:

• Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants social care in England to become free at the point of use for everyone eligible.

• Burnham described his proposed model as one where “everyone contributes, everyone is covered”, based broadly on NHS principles.

• He did not rule out tax increases to fund the system, saying no funding options were currently excluded.

• Burnham said the reforms would not be introduced during this Parliament because of commitments in Labour’s 2024 manifesto.

• A detailed proposal would instead be presented to voters at the next general election.

• Baroness Casey has been asked to recommend how the new system could operate, with her review brought forward to next summer.

• Burnham rejected an estimate that universal free social care could cost taxpayers £18bn annually, saying the figure was too high.

• He argued inadequate social care also increases NHS costs by preventing some hospital patients from being discharged.

• Conservatives said they would oppose tax increases, arguing additional social-care funding should come from savings elsewhere.

• Burnham intends to seek cross-party agreement before finalising the proposed reforms.

Why this matters: The proposal could fundamentally change England’s social-care system by replacing means-tested support with broader universal coverage.

What’s next: Burnham will outline his vision on Tuesday, followed by Baroness Casey’s recommendations and cross-party discussions ahead of the next election.

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