05 Aug 2026
The Prime Minister has pledged a new approach to adult social care in England, describing reform as a national priority and committing to work across political parties to build a long-term solution. The Government has announced plans to accelerate the timetable for Baroness Louise Casey’s independent review, improve support for the care workforce and begin work towards a National Care Service.
The announcement has received a cautious welcome from the Health and Social Care Committee. Committee Chair Layla Moran MP said the Government was right to bring forward the Casey Commission’s work, helping to ensure that a national conversation on the future of social care can take place before the next General Election. She also stressed that local government must be recognised as an equal partner alongside the NHS in any future reforms and welcomed the Prime Minister’s emphasis on prevention.
For rural communities, the detail of the reforms will be particularly important. Rural councils often face additional challenges in delivering adult social care, including workforce shortages, longer travel distances and growing demand from ageing populations.
The Rural Services Network will continue to engage with ministers, policymakers and sector partners throughout the development of these reforms, making the case for solutions that recognise the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities.
