NCA Welcomes Both Casey Commission And The Health And Social Care Committee’s Reports
The National Care Association (NCA) has welcomed the publication of both the Terms of Reference of the Casey Commission and the Health and Social Care Committee’s report, which powerfully conveys on the first page why these matters to millions; ‘The NHS undoubtedly saved my life, but social care helps me live it.’
The NCA said that it commends Baroness Casey’s decision to begin this important work by convening a roundtable with people receiving care and unpaid carers prior to the announcements, adding that this was the right place to start, and “hopes this commitment to learning from those with direct experience of care and support, their families, care professionals and providers will be the defining feature of the Commission’s work.”
The Health and Social Care Committee’s report (May 2025) presented the cost of this inaction as £1.89 billion, and more alarmingly ‘2 million people aged 65+ and 1.5 million people of working age are not getting the care they need, leading to lives led at the bare minimum rather than to their fullest.’
NCA is calling on the Government to act decisively now. While the Casey Commission charts a course for future reform, the sector cannot afford to wait another year or more, for tangible solutions. Decisive and sustainable support is needed immediately to ensure services can protect those in need and that the broader health and care system remains functional.
Nadra Ahmed CBE Executive Co-Chairman of National Care Association said:
‘Having said that they would ‘hit the ground running’, the announcement by the government about another Commission at the start of the year was disappointing. It is obvious that this will inevitably delay any real change in social care in the short term which clearly indicate that there was never a ‘plan in place’, despite the promises made that there was already a plan in place. Baroness Cassey has a reputation for getting things done so that is some consolation, however the narrative which has followed feels like she is starting with both hands tied behind her back as it is clear that any recommendations must be within the existing financial envelopes, when we know that is one of the primary issues!”
“There is compelling evidence that the sector has been severely damaged by the actions of the government thus far, especially the small to medium sized provider – 85% of the sector! The recent introduction of the ENIC is already causing serious strain, creating cracks that many providers may not recover from. Additionally, Local Authority settlements remain woefully inadequate, which means that the increases required are never covered to support those we care for.”
“We are deeply concerned about the human impact of these decisions and delays. People are without care now and they are being promised action, which they may not live to see. A decade is far too long to act; we need this government to truly understand the consequences and dig deep into their consciences to deliver where others have failed.‘
