BASW welcomes the Prime Minister's commitment for a National Care Service

If realised, this represents a potentially transformative shift toward a fairer, more compassionate care system that social workers have long championed

BASW welcomes the Prime Minister reaffirming the Government’s commitment to establish a National Care Service in England and the ambition to deliver free personal care based on need.

If realised, this represents a potentially transformative shift toward a fairer, more compassionate care system that social workers have long championed.

However, BASW remains keen to understand how the proposed funding mechanism will work in practice. The plan to adjust the State Pension triple lock to resource social care represents a significant change, and we look forward to exploring the details of these proposals closely.

Crucially, a truly effective National Care Service must extend beyond personal care tasks to focus on early intervention, rights-based practice, and community support. Social workers play a vital role in assessing complex needs, safeguarding rights, and helping people live independent, dignified lives.

We look forward to engaging with the Government and the next phase of the Casey Commission’s Big Conversation to ensure expert social work, workforce development, and fair pay remain central to this vision.