‘Keir Starmer’s attitude to elderly is plain to see – they deserve better’

Labour’s decision to delay a social care overhaul until 2028 – kicking the issue into the long grass once more by announcing an independent commission – is another devastating blow to a sector in desperate need of reform.

For years, social care has been in crisis, and instead of taking decisive action, we are yet again subjected to more delays, more discussions, and ultimately, another report that risks gathering dust while the sector continues to crumble.

It compounds the frustration and disillusionment felt by those of us working in social care. The issues we face are urgent and well documented: a chronic staffing crisis, escalating costs, and increasing demand due to our ageing population. Delaying meaningful action for another three years isn’t acceptable. The care sector has been at breaking point for years.

The independent providers who deliver 97% of home care services are struggling to cope with rising costs, staff shortages and inadequate government funding. Meanwhile delayed discharges from hospitals are putting the NHS under immense strain, costing millions and worsening health outcomes for patients.

Delaying reform exacerbates these problems. Recent data from our New Ageing Index, revealed that 83% of those aged 66 and over believe urgent action is needed, not more reports or commissions.

The Index also shows public confidence in the Government’s ability to address these issues has all but evaporated. At the time of the General Election, there was a sense of hope that a change of government might signal a change in attitude to care. This was particularly the case among older respondents – whose levels of optimism that political change would improve social care has plummeted. Just prior to the election, 35% of people over 75 were optimistic a new government would improve social care.

But barely three months into the new Labour term and this had dropped by 13% to just 22%. We are now six months in and confidence in change has no doubt plummeted further.

Every day we wait for reform, the care sector suffers – and so does the economy. Labour’s decision to hike employer’s national insurance contributions late last year hit care providers disproportionately hard.

At my own company, Home Instead, this will cost an additional £9million annually. For a sector where staff wages already account for the majority of costs, this decision was nothing short of a gut punch.

Social care, which has a crucial symbiotic relationship with the NHS, must be treated differently if the Government genuinely wants it to recover and thrive. The care crisis is not a distant problem. It affects millions of families today and will affect millions more tomorrow.

According to the latest ONS figures, there are 12.7 million people aged 65 and over, accounting for 19% of the population. By 2041, this number is expected to rise to more than 16 million. These individuals deserve more than political procrastination.

The need for a long-term solution is undeniable but waiting until 2028 to begin implementing it is unconscionable. Instead, Labour should act now to establish a cross-party working group that includes social care providers, healthcare professionals and economists.

This group must be tasked with delivering actionable solutions within 12 months – not three years. Solutions are out there. From increased funding for community-based care to better workforce planning and technical innovation. What is missing is the political will to act decisively.

Ignoring the care crisis is not just bad policy – it’s bad politics. Older voters, who make up a growing proportion of the electorate, are unlikely to forgive another government that avoids taking difficult decisions.

Labour’s promise of reform helped secure their support in 2024. Breaking that promise risks alienating voters and jeopardising their re-election.

This issue transcends party lines. If Labour truly wants to build a national consensus on social care, it must prove its commitment by taking immediate, tangible steps. Anything less risks condemning the sector – and the millions of people who depend on it for care or employment – to more decline.

It’s time to stop talking and start acting. Our ageing population can’t wait until 2028 for the care system they deserve. Neither can the NHS, the care workforce, or the families struggling to access support.