Keir Starmer’s True Feelings About the Elderly Exposed in a Single Decision And is Shocking

The social care sector in the UK has been in crisis for years, and the recent announcement by the Labour government to delay much-needed reforms until 2028 is a bitter blow for those who had hoped for urgent action. Instead of implementing solutions, the government has chosen to launch yet another independent commission—a move that feels like a stalling tactic rather than a step forward. For a sector already on the brink of collapse, this delay is not just disappointing; it’s unacceptable.

The problems facing social care are well-documented and impossible to ignore: severe staff shortages, rising costs, and increasing demand driven by an ageing population. These issues have been exacerbated by years of underfunding and political inaction. Yet, rather than addressing these challenges head-on, the government has opted for more discussions and reports—actions that are unlikely to bring about the immediate change the sector desperately needs.

For those working in social care, the frustration is palpable. Independent care providers, who deliver 97% of home care services, are struggling to stay afloat. Soaring costs, a lack of staff, and insufficient government funding have pushed many to their limits. At the same time, delayed hospital discharges are placing additional strain on the NHS, costing millions and worsening outcomes for patients. Delaying reforms will only deepen these problems, leaving vulnerable individuals and families to bear the brunt of the crisis.

Public sentiment reflects this urgency. According to the New Ageing Index, 83% of people aged 66 and over believe action is needed now, not more reports or commissions. Confidence in the government’s ability to address these issues is rapidly eroding. When Labour won the election, there was hope—particularly among older voters—that the new government would bring meaningful change. However, optimism has plummeted. Within three months of taking office, confidence among those aged 75 and over dropped from 35% to just 22%. Six months later, it’s likely that faith in the government’s commitment to reform has fallen even further.

The delay in reform isn’t just a failure of leadership; it’s also a missed opportunity to strengthen the economy. Social care and the NHS are deeply interconnected, and the collapse of one will inevitably impact the other. Labour’s recent decision to increase employers’ national insurance contributions has already hit care providers hard. At Home Instead, where I work, this policy adds £9 million in annual costs—a significant burden for a sector where wages are already the largest expense.

The scale of the challenge is immense. There are currently 12.7 million people aged 65 and over in the UK, making up 19% of the population. By 2041, this number is expected to exceed 16 million. These individuals deserve better than delays and political inaction. They deserve a system that provides dignity, security, and quality care in their later years.

What’s needed are long-term solutions, not a plan to wait until 2028. Labour should establish a cross-party group involving care providers, healthcare experts, and economists to develop actionable solutions within a year—not three. The solutions are out there: better funding for community care, improved workforce planning, and the integration of technology to streamline services. What’s lacking is the political will to act.

Delaying action isn’t just bad for the sector—it’s bad politics. Older voters are a growing and influential part of the electorate, and they won’t easily forgive a government that fails to deliver on its promises. Labour’s 2024 pledge to reform social care helped secure support from many voters, but breaking that promise risks alienating a key demographic.

This isn’t about party politics—it’s about doing what’s right. The government must take immediate steps to address this crisis. Our ageing population, the NHS, care workers, and families in need of support cannot wait until 2028. The time for action is now. Delaying reform isn’t just a failure of policy; it’s a failure of compassion and responsibility. The social care sector—and the millions who rely on it—deserve better.