Burnham puts universal social care proposal in Labour manifesto
The proposed service would be free at the point of use and funded collectively, but Labour has yet to set out its cost, funding model or timetable.
Andy Burnham says Labour will include a proposal for a universal social care service in England in its next general election manifesto, putting the reform to voters. The service would be free at the point of use and funded by everyone, he said.
Speaking as Labour’s annual conference opened in Liverpool, Burnham said he was prepared to spend political capital on reform and make difficult choices. He did not specify how the service would be funded or when it could begin.
Burnham rejected an estimate of £18bn a year as too high, but offered no alternative figure. The service’s design and overall cost therefore remain unresolved.
He said funding would need to be worked out carefully given the challenging public finances. The manifesto proposal is not yet a funded plan.
