In case you missed it…
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NHS 10 Year Health Plan released
The 10 Year Health Plan was released on 3 July and makes plans for three big shifts in how the NHS will work: hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention. Whilst the implications for adult social care were not mentioned in any depth, expected outcomes may include an increase in delegated health tasks, more involved community care, and more developed care plans.
Read the plan here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-future
Reflections on the 10 Year Plan for social care
CQC has welcomed the plan with Chief Executive, Julian Hartley, stating “We welcome this ambitious, future-focused plan for a world-class NHS that truly delivers for patients and the public. And we stand ready to play a central role in its delivery.”
Read more here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/news/cqc-responds-governments-10-year-health-plan-england
Homecare Association has warned that the ‘left shift’; from hospital to community, will 'falter' without improved council funding. Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the association has stated “Directors of Adult Social Care are clear: without proper funding, they cannot pay providers fairly, meet rising demand, or invest in prevention. This results in people waiting too long for care, going without care, or being admitted to hospital unnecessarily.”
Read more here: https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/resource/invest-in-homecare-or-undermine-your-own-health-reforms-government-told.html
Similarly, Care England has also warned that the shift from sickness to prevention will further damage quality of care without further government action. Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of the organisation has stated “The government’s vision on prevention and community-based care is the first step, but the sector is yet to see the funding to make that reality.”
CQC announce framework update
CQC have released an update on their progress around delivering assessments, improving inspections, strengthening leadership and making changes to the assessment approach overall. This includes a promise to deliver at least 5,000 assessments in adult social care before September 2026, and with newly appointed Chris Badger as Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, the work has begun to return to delivering good regulation.
Read more here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/about-us/improving-how-we-work/how-we-are-working-to-rebuild-good-regulation
Employment Rights Bill implementation timeline announced
A timeline published on 1 July outlines the roadmap for the UK Employment Rights Bill implementation. Measures taking effect in April 2026 will include whistleblowing protections and Statutory Sick Pay, with steps towards establishing the Fair Pay Agreement Adult Social Care Negotiating Body taking effect in October 2026.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-the-employment-rights-bill
Spending Review announced with allocations for social care
The Spending Review (the government’s plans for future investment) has been announced with an additional £4 billion made available for adult social care in 2028-29. Leading organisations like Homecare Association and Care England warn of irreversibly damaging outcomes and outlines suggestions for immediate commitments from the government.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spending-review-2025-document/spending-review-2025-html