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The King’s Speech marks the formal opening of a new session of Parliament and outlines the government’s proposed legislative programme for the months ahead. Delivered by the Monarch on behalf of the government, the speech sets out the laws and reforms ministers intend to introduce and is widely seen as a key indicator of political priorities.
This year’s King’s Speech included a strong focus on NHS reform, economic growth, employment, education and public services. However, for many within the adult social care sector, there was disappointment that detailed plans for social care reform and the development of a National Care Service were largely absent.
The National Care Forum (NCF), the leading association representing not-for-profit social care providers, responded by warning that urgent reform of adult social care risks being delayed further at a time when pressures across the sector remain significant.
Although adult social care was not the focus of major new legislation in the King’s Speech, several of the government’s proposals will have a direct impact on care providers, care staff and the people who rely on support services.
One of the most significant areas is the government’s wider NHS reform agenda, including the NHS 10 Year Plan for England. This includes a continued focus on moving care closer to communities, improving digital systems and increasing integration between health and social care services.
The NCF welcomed plans for a Single Patient Record, designed to bring health and social care records together in one place. Better information sharing could improve coordination between services, reduce duplication and help people receive more joined-up support.
However, the organisation also raised concerns about the pressures that NHS restructuring and local government reorganisation could place on social care providers already operating in a challenging environment.
However, for many within the adult social care sector, there was disappointment that detailed plans for social care reform and the development of a National Care Service were largely absent.
Reflecting on the announcement, Vic Rayner OBE, CEO of the National Care Forum (NCF), said:
“Whilst no great surprise, there are slim pickings for adult social care in the King’s Speech. The timeframes set by the government around the Casey Commission have served to undermine the government’s commitment to any urgency attached to desperately needed reform and the development of a National Care Service.”
The National Care Forum, which represents not-for-profit care providers across the UK, has warned that delays to reform risk prolonging many of the pressures already facing providers, staff and the people who rely on care and support services.
A recurring message from the sector is that adult social care cannot be treated as separate from the wider health system.
Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and neighbourhood health services are expected to play a growing role in shaping local care delivery. The NCF has stressed that social care providers must remain fully involved in these structures, both strategically and operationally, to ensure that care services reflect the real needs of communities.
Without meaningful involvement from social care organisations, there are concerns that reforms could become too NHS-focused, overlooking the vital role that community care, housing and support services play in helping people live independently and well.
The King’s Speech also highlighted continued investment in apprenticeships and employment pathways for young people. For the care sector, this presents an opportunity to promote the wide range of rewarding careers available within social care.
Recruitment and retention continue to be major challenges across the sector, and organisations like the NCF are calling for greater recognition of care work alongside proper investment in training, support and career progression.
The speech also included measures connected to education, disability and support for Armed Forces families, all of which have links to the delivery of social care and community support services.
Despite these wider announcements, sector leaders remain concerned about the lack of clear detail and timescales for the long-promised reform of adult social care.
The Casey Commission continues to gather evidence and recommendations on the future of care, but providers are seeking greater urgency and clarity from government on how reforms will be delivered in practice.
The NCF has pledged to continue representing the voices of not-for-profit providers, care staff and people who rely on support services throughout these discussions, ensuring that future reforms are shaped by those with direct experience of delivering and receiving care.
BCOP is proud to be a member of the National Care Forum, which represents not-for-profit organisations delivering care and support across the UK. The NCF works on behalf of the sector by engaging with government, influencing national policy, responding to consultations and championing the value of person-centred, community-based care. Through our membership, BCOP contributes to important national conversations about the future of adult social care while continuing to support older people across Birmingham with compassionate, high-quality services in social housing and nursing homes.