Adult social care commission begins work

Baroness Casey of Blackstock has started her work on the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care by speaking to people with experience of the social care system. 

On Tuesday (29 April), Baroness Casey met with carers, disabled people, advocates and campaigners and heard about their experience of the care system. Today (2 May), the government has published the commission’s terms of reference.

‘It was important that the first act of this commission should be about hearing from those with real, lived experience of the current social care system,’ Baroness Casey said. ‘I want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this important work, shaping a social care system that supports people to lead fulfilling, dignified and enriched lives.’

Since the Prime Minister asked Baroness Casey to chair the commission earlier this year, it has been putting in place formal structures including appointing a core team and reviewing the existing evidence base. Over the coming months, it will start a national conversation with the public about their experience and expectations of the adult social care system.

Split over two phases, the commission will set out a vision for adult social care, with recommended measures and a roadmap for delivery. The first phase, reporting in mid-2026, will identify issues facing the sector and set out recommendations for the medium term. The second phase, reporting by 2028, will make longer-term recommendations.

The Homecare Association welcomed the launch of the Casey commission but warned urgent action is needed to improve access, equity, safety and quality of care services.

Dr Jane Townson, chief executive officer of the Homecare Association, said: ‘We welcome the launch of the Casey Commission today, but let’s be clear: parts of the social care sector are on their last legs. This must be the turning point – not another addition to the pile of reports gathering dust on the shelves of Westminster. Ten prime ministers over the last 46 years have failed to prepare for an ageing society where a third of us will be over 65. This is now only 20 years away and we are sleepwalking into a humanitarian and economic disaster.’

National Care Forum CEO Vic Rayner said: ‘The terms of reference set out, in their brief way, confirmation that the reporting timelines for the commission will be unchanged. This instantly poses a concern as to how seriously government is taking the urgency for social care reform, as the issues resulting in people not being able to access the care and support they need now, continue to be well documented.’