UK PM Andy Burnham to take social care reform plan to next general election

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to make social care reform a central issue at the next general election, promising to put forward a plan that would make care free at the point of use while spreading its cost across the population.

Burnham made the commitment on Sunday as he began his first Labour Party conference as Prime Minister. Speaking to the BBC, he outlined his intention to tackle one of Britain's longest-running political problems -- how to fund and provide care for an ageing population without leaving families facing crippling bills.

The issue has also taken on a personal significance for Burnham. His father died earlier this month in a care home. However, Burnham made clear that the detailed plan will not be introduced immediately. Instead, he intends to present it to voters at the next general election, which is due to take place by mid-2029.

That decision could give the government some breathing space as it deals with pressure on public finances and attempts to avoid the immediate prospect of large tax increases.

Burnham said he was prepared to confront the difficult choices involved in changing Britain's social care system rather than continuing to postpone them.

"I am going to go show leadership on this issue ... I won’t dodge the difficult questions. I am going to rip the plaster off, if I can put it that way, because someone has to do it," he said.

"I will put that plan to the public at a general election. That will be where the plan will gets tested ... I am prepared to put myself in that position recognising it may be difficult or unpopular with some."

Social care has proved a political headache for successive British governments. Several prime ministers have attempted to overhaul the system, but efforts have repeatedly stalled amid disagreements over who should pay and how much individuals should contribute.

Under the existing system, people who require long-term care can face substantial costs. In some cases, families have been forced to sell property or take on debt to meet care bills, turning social care into a major financial concern as well as a political one.

Burnham was also asked whether his government would identify areas where spending could be reduced to help pay for his proposed reforms. He said he would demonstrate at the party conference that he was willing to make difficult choices on public spending.FUNDING SOCIAL CARE COULD BRING TOUGH CHOICES

The question of how to finance reform is likely to become one of the most contentious parts of Burnham's proposal.

Darren Jones, a close ally of former prime minister Keir Starmer, has suggested that scrapping the so-called pensions triple lock could be considered as one way of finding money for social care.

The triple lock currently links increases in the state pension to whichever is highest among average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5 per cent. Any move to change the arrangement would therefore carry significant political consequences.

For now, however, Burnham's decision to delay implementation of his social care plan until the next election gives Finance Minister John Healey additional room to manoeuvre ahead of the government's October 28 budget.

That breathing space may prove important as the government faces several competing demands on public spending.LABOUR SEEKS A RESET

Burnham also wants Labour's conference in Liverpool to project a sense of optimism after a difficult period for the party.

The UK Prime Minister is expected to highlight what he sees as positive developments in Britain, pointing to economic growth in cities such as Liverpool and Manchester. Both cities are key to Burnham's political identity and his argument that regional economies can play a bigger role in Britain's future.

But the backdrop remains challenging.

The government is dealing with high borrowing costs, a rising welfare bill and increasing energy prices. At the same time, Burnham and Healey face a £4.7 billion funding gap in the Defence Investment Plan.

The defence plan has already faced criticism from some defence experts, who argue that it does not go far enough to meet Britain's commitment to increase defence spending.

Against that backdrop, the prime minister's social care pledge will have to compete with other demands on the Treasury. Reforming a system that has resisted major change for decades could require difficult decisions over taxation, benefits and government spending.- EndsWith inputs from agencies