Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has unveiled a £2.5bn social care plan that would introduce free personal care for all adults and a significant pay rise for care workers, funded by a local tax levy. The proposal, announced on Monday, aims to tackle the social care crisis in the region and could serve as a blueprint for national reform.
Key Details of the Plan
The plan, titled 'Greater Manchester Care: A New Deal', would be financed by a 1% increase in the local precept on council tax, raising £100m annually. Combined with existing funding and efficiencies, the total investment over five years would reach £2.5bn. Key elements include free personal care for all adults, regardless of their assets or income, and a pay rise to £12 per hour for care workers, with a target of £15 per hour by 2030.
Impact and Reactions
Burnham stated: 'This is a bold but achievable plan. It will end the postcode lottery of care and ensure that every person in Greater Manchester gets the support they need.' The plan has been welcomed by care providers and unions, but critics question the reliance on council tax rises, which could disproportionately affect lower-income households. According to the Health Foundation, the plan would cover around 100,000 people currently not receiving care.
Next Steps
The proposal will now be subject to a public consultation before being put to a vote by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. If approved, it could be implemented from April 2027, making Greater Manchester the first region in England to offer free personal care to all adults.
