Statement on Andy Burnham’s comments on social care 2026

Urgent investment needed to deliver fair, person centred social care in Scotland, say the ALLIANCE.

Speaking after Andy Burnham’s Labour conference speech, and responding to comments on the future of social care, Sara Redmond, Chief Officer of Development at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), (1) said:

“There is an urgent need for increased financial investment in social care in Scotland, as well as the wider UK to deliver a system rooted in the principles of fairness, choice, control and dignity.

“Demand for social care is growing but investment has not kept pace. As a result, many people face difficulties accessing support, providers are under increasing financial pressure and unmet need continues to grow.

“The Prime Minister’s vision of a person centred high quality national care service, free at the point of use, is what ALLIANCE members in Scotland have been demanding for years.  However, these visions have been promised before, only to be pushed to one side once politics and powerful voices get involved.

“The UK and Scottish Governments must seize the opportunity and finally deliver the social care support people have been promised.”

The ALLIANCE is the national third sector membership organisation for the health and social care sector, representing over 3,500 members.

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) is the national third sector membership organisation for the health and social care sector. We bring together over 3,500 people and organisations dedicated to achieving our vision of a Scotland where everyone has a strong voice and enjoys the right to live well, with dignity and respect. Our members are essential in creating a society in which we all can thrive, and we believe that by working together, our voice is stronger. 

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