FEATURE
VALUING SOCIAL CARE
The care sector is under growing strain from rising demand, funding pressures and workforce shortages. Bethan Evans, CEO of My Choice Healthcare, outlines what ministers need to understand if meaningful reform is to succeed.
Working on the frontline in the care system brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities the sector faces – one that isn’t always fully understood by government.
Aſter all, how can ministers sitting in local or central government truly grasp the day-to-day realities of delivering care? It’s something that has to be experienced first-hand, which is why it’s so important that care staff have a voice.
Equally, those receiving care, along with their families, have valuable insights into what the sector is really about. For them, political debates come second to the standard of care on offer. At a vulnerable time in life, what matters most is person-centred, consistent and dedicated care.
In the chaos of political life, the people at the centre of these debates are too oſten forgotten. Residents, their families, and staff deserve more, and for that to happen, ministers need to truly understand care. Here’s what I wish they understood.
FUNDING CARE IS NOT A BURDEN
The nation’s finances are under pressure, and funding must be allocated fairly across society. But too often, investment in
the care system is framed as a burden. This narrative needs to change.
Rather than focusing solely on how much funding is required, we should consider the cost of not investing enough. As of June 2025, there were more than 350,000 care home residents, according to government data. Leaving so many vulnerable people without adequate support is a risk we simply shouldn’t be willing to take.
While an extra £4bn a year is set to be available for adult social care by 2028-2029, this is unlikely to go far enough. Any extra funding is, of course, welcome, but it won’t solve the scale of the challenge on its own.
Ministers also need to recognise that the care system doesn’t just benefit those currently receiving care – it benefits all of us. A 2024 House of Commons committee report on adult social care reform estimates that every £1 invested in the sector generates a £1.75 return to the wider economy.
The report argues that social care must be seen as an enabler, not a burden. The system supports people to live healthier, more independent lives, helps prevent ill health, boosts employment, and contributes to wider health reform. Ministers
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