Public appetite for social care reform grows as Government delays continue
A new poll has found that 79% of the British public believe social care reform deserves just as much government attention as the NHS – a powerful message of support from voters as the Government prepares to unveil its 10-Year Health Plan.
The nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 adults, commissioned by health and social care communications specialists PLMR and conducted by polling firm Clariti (formerly Savanta), reveals overwhelming public consensus on the vital role of social care in society.
Social Care Seen as Essential… But Politically Overlooked
According to the data, 84% of respondents see social care as just as essential to society as the NHS: a view that strengthens with age, from 71% of 16–24-year-olds to 91% of those aged 55–64. Meanwhile, 73% of the public recognise the sector’s positive contribution to the UK economy.
Yet despite this groundswell of public support, social care remains sidelined. Last month’s Spending Review offered a headline-grabbing NHS uplift described as “the equivalent of the GDP of Portugal” by NHS England’s interim chief executive Sir Jim Mackey.
By contrast, the £4 billion pledge to adult social care was heavily caveated: reliant on annual council tax hikes and vulnerable to being diluted by competing priorities, such as the proposed Fair Pay Agreement.
Polling Highlights Disconnect Between Public and Political Priorities
The research findings expose a stark disconnect between public priorities and government inaction. The sector continues to wait for clarity on the forthcoming Ten Year Health Plan, while key deliverables from the Casey Commission remain pending a hugely long timeline.
Notably, having launched two-months ago, the Government has yet to publish an accessible, easy-read version of the Commission’s terms of reference, despite assurances that people drawing on social care will be central to the review.
Nathan Hollow, Group Director and Head of Health and Social Care at PLMR, who commissioned the survey, said:
“These results are clear: people appreciate the value that social care brings to society and see reform as both urgent and necessary. Yet still, the Government continues to kick social care into the long grass while the NHS is prioritised.
The Casey Commission has been open for two months, and we have heard no solid commitments to action. The lack of even basic accessibility, such as an easy-read version of the terms of reference, speaks volumes.
As we know, health and social care cannot function in isolation. It’s time for an integrated approach to funding and policy. The public are ahead of the Government on this issue – now we need leadership that listens and acts before the sector reaches breaking point.”
