Government Sets Out Progress on Adult Social Care Reform Recommendations
The Government has outlined a series of measures aimed at strengthening adult social care in England, following recommendations made by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care led by Baroness Louise Casey. In a letter published by the Department of Health and Social Care, ministers detailed progress in three key areas: safeguarding, dementia care and support for people living with motor neurone disease (MND).
New National Adult Safeguarding Board Established
A major development is the creation of a new national adult safeguarding board, designed to provide stronger oversight and scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements across the country. The board will be chaired by Chief Social Worker Sarah McClinton and will report directly to Care Minister Stephen Kinnock.
According to the Government, the board’s initial priorities will include updating statutory safeguarding guidance under the Care Act, reviewing the legal framework for safeguarding adults, strengthening national oversight of local Safeguarding Adults Boards and improving safeguarding practice nationwide. Particular attention will be given to issues such as homelessness, substance misuse and transitional safeguarding.
For care providers, the reforms signal an increased national focus on safeguarding standards, accountability and consistency across services.
New Dementia Framework and ‘Dementia Tsar’
The Government has also announced plans for a new modern service framework for dementia and frailty, due to be published before the end of 2026. The framework is intended to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and community-based support while preparing services for emerging innovations in dementia care.
In addition, ministers confirmed plans to appoint a national “dementia tsar” to help drive progress across health and care systems. Recruitment is expected to begin shortly.
The Government has accepted a recommendation to increase participation in UK dementia clinical trials to 2,000 people over the next five years, compared with 377 participants in 2025–26. Officials said the move is intended both to support research and to prepare the NHS and care system for future treatments and innovations.
Further investment is planned in diagnostic research, dementia trial infrastructure and the Dementia Trials Accelerator programme. Ministers are also considering future access arrangements for the Alzheimer’s treatments lecanemab and donanemab, pending further evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
For residential and nursing care providers, the announcements indicate a growing emphasis on earlier diagnosis, research participation and improved pathways for people living with dementia.
Faster Support for People with Motor Neurone Disease
The Government has also pledged to improve access to care and support for people living with motor neurone disease, describing the condition as severe, progressive and terminal.
Local authorities have been asked to introduce faster approaches to accessing care and support, improve coordination between services, anticipate future care needs and review housing assistance arrangements. Authorities have also been encouraged to consider waiving Disabled Facilities Grant means testing in appropriate cases.
Alongside these measures, officials are developing a prototype fast-track pathway for people with MND. The pathway is being designed with input from local authorities, the NHS, housing providers and the MND Association, with the aim of delivering quicker and more coordinated support.
The update forms part of the Government’s response to the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care and precedes the commission’s first formal report later this year. Ministers said the measures are intended to address longstanding challenges in social care and support the development of a future National Care Service.
