England adult social care reform consultation

In early July 2026, Baroness Louise Casey announced a public consultation focused on funding England's adult social care. The move signaled the government's intent to gather extensive public input before reshaping the sector.

Later in July, the consultation—titled the “Big Conversation on Care”—was formally launched. It is scheduled to run for ten months and aims to involve up to one million participants. The first phase (July‑November) will solicit views on the values, principles, and eligibility criteria for a proposed National Care Service. The second phase (December‑April) will concentrate on funding arrangements and implementation methods. Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the exercise as essential for building consensus after earlier reform attempts failed, and he has invited opposition parties to engage in the discussion. The outcomes are expected to influence how adult social care integrates with the NHS and how it will be financed in coming years.