PM Andy Burnham Warns NHS Faces ‘Collapse’ Without Social Care Reform

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the NHS could “collapse” unless the government delivers major reforms to England’s social care system, describing the issue as one of his administration’s top priorities.

In his first major interview since taking office, Burnham said he was determined to introduce significant changes to adult social care before leaving government, although he stopped short of committing to a timetable for implementing a new system.

Asked whether reforms would be completed before the next general election, the prime minister said he could not set a deadline but insisted he would devote all of his political capital to fixing what he described as a broken system.

Burnham argued that failures in social care are placing unsustainable pressure on the National Health Service by forcing people into hospitals when they could instead receive appropriate care in the community.

He is expected to outline his government’s approach to adult social care in a speech this week. However, officials are not expected to unveil a complete replacement for the current system. Instead, the government is expected to accelerate the work of the independent Casey Commission, which is reviewing long-term options for reform.

The commission, led by Louise Casey, had originally been expected to deliver its final recommendations in 2028. Burnham said he has instructed the review to move more quickly.

Adult social care provides support for older people and adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions, helping with daily tasks such as personal care, dressing, washing and household activities. Unlike NHS treatment, social care in England is means-tested, with eligibility depending partly on an individual’s savings and financial circumstances.

The issue has challenged successive governments for years, with previous attempts at reform proving politically contentious.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the government not to fund any overhaul through higher taxes or increased public borrowing. In a letter to the prime minister, she argued that any reforms should also protect people who have spent years saving to meet future care costs.

Burnham also indicated that his government is considering tightening some welfare rules as part of broader efforts to reduce spending on benefits.

He suggested that some claimants could face stricter conditions in return for receiving financial support, saying more people should be encouraged into employment where appropriate.

However, the prime minister stressed that many people receiving benefits had been failed by a lack of support earlier in their lives and said reforms should focus on helping people find work rather than simply penalising them.

During the interview, Burnham also said he would be prepared to challenge U.S. President Donald Trump whenever it was necessary to protect Britain’s national interests.

On a lighter note, he revealed that his pet dog, Axel, would remain at his home in northern England rather than moving into Downing Street, joking that the dog would be unlikely to get along with Larry the Cat, the long-serving feline resident of Number 10.