The government has set out new national priorities for adult social care that will shape the future of older people’s home care and residential support over the next few years. The plan recognises the intense pressure on the system and commits to moving towards a more consistent “national care service” that offers higher‑quality, more joined‑up care.
At the heart of the publication are three clear aims: to improve the quality of care and support, to give people more choice and control over the help they receive, and to strengthen the links between health and social care in every community. For older people, this should mean better day‑to‑day support at home or in care homes, and a smoother experience when different services need to work together.
Funding is a central part of the announcement. The government plans to make around £4.6 billion in additional funding available for adult social care in 2028–29 compared with 2025–26, including a larger NHS contribution through a reformed Better Care Fund. This extra investment is designed to help local authorities and providers maintain safe services, grow the workforce and respond to rising demand as more people need care and support.
Quality and accountability will also look different in the coming years. The Care Quality Commission is rolling out a refreshed approach to assessing local authorities, with new baseline reports and clearer rating descriptors to show how well councils are meeting their duties. The Department of Health and Social Care will use this information to offer targeted support and encourage continuous improvement across home care and care homes.
For providers, this combination of increased scrutiny and multi‑year funding creates both challenges and opportunities. Services will be expected to focus on independence‑promoting care, personalised support plans and stronger collaboration with NHS partners in neighbourhoods. For older people and their families, the ambition is straightforward: care that is safer, more responsive and easier to navigate, wherever they live.
To read the full government publication click here.
