Andy Burnham has pledged to address the long-standing crisis in adult social care in England, stating that decades of government inaction must end. In a significant announcement, Burnham did not rule out the possibility of tax rises to fund the necessary reforms, acknowledging that difficult funding decisions would be required.

Burnham described the failure of successive governments to tackle the social care crisis as a "major dereliction of public duty." His proposed solution includes establishing a new national care service, which would focus on improving pay and training for care workers, and fostering closer integration with the National Health Service (NHS).

A review into social care, led by Baroness Casey, will now have its findings published next summer, advanced from a previous 2028 deadline. Burnham, speaking emotionally about his own experience caring for his father with Alzheimer's, expressed a determination to enact changes that would benefit "millions like him."

While Burnham indicated a desire to first maximize efficiency within existing budgets, he acknowledged that "fuller reforms will require difficult decisions." He suggested that any proposals involving tax increases would be presented to the public for consent. He also voiced his opposition to individuals being forced to sell their homes to pay for care, recalling his earlier proposals as health secretary in 2009, which aimed for a collective contribution model similar to the NHS.

Efforts are underway to secure cross-party support for the proposed changes, with Burnham holding discussions with Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Conservative shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew. The Conservative party has previously urged the government to avoid tax rises or increased borrowing for social care reform, with Andrew emphasizing the need to ensure funding is allocated effectively within the existing system.

Burnham highlighted the financial burden that care costs place on individuals and suggested that resolving social care issues could alleviate pressure on the NHS, potentially leading to savings. The upcoming review by Baroness Casey is expected to examine various funding mechanisms for a national care system.

Despite invitations to other parties, leaders from Reform UK and the Green Party of England and Wales were not included in the initial talks, leading to expressions of disappointment from both groups. Burnham stressed his commitment to confronting the challenge of social care reform, citing the "too great" risks associated with continued inaction.

The government's approach aims to tackle what is perceived in Westminster as a politically risky issue, with Burnham determined to find a workable solution for the sector.