CARE CANNOT WAIT: LATER LIFE AMBITIONS WELCOMES ACCELERATED CASEY COMMISSION BUT URGES SWIFT ACTION

LONDON, 30 JULY 2026 – Later Life Ambitions (LLA) welcomes today’s announcement that the Casey Commission will be brought forward, alongside a greater focus on reforming the social care workforce.

The announcement reflects many of the concerns LLA has consistently raised. The coalition has long argued that social care reform can no longer be delayed and that older people, their families and care providers urgently need greater certainty.

However, today’s commitments must be followed by meaningful action. LLA is calling for a National Social Care Framework that establishes consistent standards across England, underpinned by a sustainable, long-term funding settlement.

Reform must also include greater investment in the social care workforce through improved pay, training and career development. At the same time, health and social care services must work together more effectively to provide older people with joined-up, reliable support.

LLA will continue to engage with Baroness Casey’s review to ensure that the experiences and priorities of pensioners and people in later life are placed at the heart of the Government’s plans.

Alan Lees, CEO of the National Association of Retired Police Officers said: “Bringing forward the date of the publication of the final Casey Commission Report Recommendations is a welcome recognition that social care reform cannot wait much longer. Older people, their families, unpaid carers and care providers now need to see ambition translated into action through sustainable funding, consistent standards and proper investment in the workforce.

“Later Life Ambitions has consistently called for a social care system that gives people greater certainty about the support available to them and does not leave families navigating an increasingly complex system alone. The Commission should set out a clear and deliverable route towards care that people can rely on wherever they live.

“We look forward to engaging with the review to ensure that the voices of people in later life are at the heart of reform.”