A Call for Urgency: Real Life Options on the Need for Immediate Social Care Reform

In this blog article, we hear from David Sargent, CEO at Real Life Options, who shares his perspective on the recently announced timeline for social care reform in England. While the government’s plan to establish a National Care Service by 2028 is a bold step forward, David raises a critical question: can millions of people with urgent care needs wait that long?

The recent announcement by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting about the proposed timeline for adult social care reform in England has reignited a critical conversation about the state of care services. The commitment to establish a National Care Service by 2028 is a significant step, yet the extended timeline raises concerns about the urgent needs of millions who rely on these services today.

At Real Life Options, we applaud the government’s ambition to address the longstanding challenges of our social care system. However, as an organisation dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals to live fulfilled lives, we must echo the concerns voiced by sector leaders: 2028 is too far away for those whose needs cannot wait.

A System in Crisis

The social care system is already stretched beyond its limits. According to the King’s Fund, there are approximately two million people in England with unmet care needs. Workforce organisation Skills for Care highlights a staggering 131,000 vacancies in the sector, reflecting the immense strain on care providers. These figures are not just statistics—they represent real people, families, and communities grappling with insufficient support.

Adding to this crisis, the government’s recent increase in National Insurance has placed an undue burden on charities like Real Life Options. Unlike private businesses, charities cannot simply pass on these additional costs to clients. Local authorities, already constrained by tight budgets, are unlikely to provide increased funding to offset these rising expenses. This means charities will face impossible choices, potentially leading to service closures or the return of contracts. For many, this spells the end of essential support for those who depend on it most.

Delaying meaningful reform until 2028 risks exacerbating this crisis. We must ask ourselves: how can we build for the future if the foundations of our current system are crumbling?

The Fabian Society: Why Delay?

Before the current government came to power, the Fabian Society published research that acknowledged the urgent need for social care reform. The Society identified systemic underfunding, workforce challenges, and inconsistent care standards as key issues requiring immediate attention. Given these insights, why does the government now require an extended period of consultation?

The solutions are not unknown. Many were outlined by the Fabian Society itself, including workforce investment, standardising care provision, and integrating technology. The prolonged timeline for reform raises questions about political will. While consultations and cross-party collaboration are important, the continued delay only exacerbates the crisis. During this time, services will be further wound down, providers will close, and vulnerable people will be left without essential support. This is not progress; it is attrition.

Immediate Steps to Support Social Care

While a long-term vision is essential, there are many measures the government can implement now to alleviate the strain on social care services:

Invest in the Workforce: Care workers are the backbone of the system, yet they often face low pay, limited career progression, and challenging working conditions. Real Life Options advocates for better pay, comprehensive training programs, and clearer career pathways to attract and retain talent in the sector. However, solving the workforce crisis cannot be achieved by focusing solely on local councils investing internally in their services.

A more collaborative approach is needed, one that encourages individuals to see social care as a rewarding and sustainable career. This includes working more closely with charities and other institutions already deeply embedded in the sector. Charities like Real Life Options and others play a critical role in delivering care that is tailored to the needs of communities. While much of this work is funded by local authorities, the solutions to workforce challenges lie in strengthening partnerships, not just bolstering council-led services.

We call for the government and councils to recognise and invest in the charitable organisations and institutions that are already leading the way in delivering high-quality social care. By doing so, we can create a more dynamic and resilient workforce, expand access to training opportunities, and ensure that care services are available to those who need them most. Encouraging individuals to enter careers in social care must be a collective effort, harnessing the expertise and passion that already exists within the sector.

In this way, we can build a social care system that is not only sustainable but also inspires the next generation of care professionals.

Harness Technology: Digital platforms and assistive technology can revolutionise how care is delivered, improving efficiency and empowering individuals to live independently. However, investment in infrastructure and training must match these advancements to ensure technology is accessible to all.

Standardise Access and Quality: Disparities in care provision across the country must be addressed to create a fairer, more equitable system. National standards, as outlined in the government’s vision, should be fast-tracked to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to consistent, high-quality care.

Currently, navigating the financial aspects of social care in the UK can be a daunting and perplexing experience for individuals and their families. The system’s complexity stems from a combination of means-tested assessments, regional disparities, and varying eligibility criteria. These factors create an environment that often feels inconsistent and opaque, leaving many feeling uncertain about the support available to them.

By standardising access and simplifying financial processes, we can remove these barriers, ensuring social care is both accessible and understandable for all.

Support Informal Carers: Millions of unpaid carers provide vital support to loved ones, often at great personal and financial cost. Enhanced financial support and respite services are urgently needed to relieve this hidden workforce.

Real Life Options’ Commitment to Making Life Better Together

At Real Life Options, we see firsthand the transformative power of person-centred care. Whether it’s through supported living, community engagement programs, or innovative volunteering initiatives, we strive to enable the people we support to live with dignity and independence. However, we cannot do this alone.

The government’s promise of an extra £86 million to help elderly and disabled people remain in their homes is a welcome step, but it is not enough to meet the scale of the current crisis. The issues of funding, workforce shortages, and unmet care needs require bold, decisive action—not only in 2028 but now.

Collaborating for Change

We commend the government’s call for cross-party collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the National Care Service. Real Life Options stands ready to contribute to this vital conversation. As an organisation with decades of experience in social care, we bring practical insights into the challenges faced by care providers and the people we support.

However, collaboration must be accompanied by urgency. As Sarah Woolnough of The King’s Fund aptly put it, “You don’t need a commission to enable you to do a whole load of stuff.” Many solutions are already known—we simply need the political will to act.

The Time to Act Is Now

Real Life Options urges the government to accelerate its timeline for reform and prioritise immediate measures to stabilise the social care system. Delaying action risks leaving millions of people without the care they desperately need and further eroding public trust in the system.

We are at a pivotal moment for social care in England. Let us not waste this opportunity to create a system that values dignity, equity, and sustainability. At Real Life Options, we remain committed to making life better, together—with or without delay.

You can read the full BBC article piece here.

Real Life Options is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and older people, to achieve their aspirations and lead independent, fulfilling lives.

If you or a loved one is in need of support, contact us today.