The article argues that reforming England’s social-care system is both a personal priority and unresolved political task for the new prime minister. It matters because inadequate care affects older and disabled people, their families, care workers and the NHS, where delays in arranging support can leave patients unable to leave hospital.

Successive governments have promised reform but struggled with the cost and political risk of asking individuals or taxpayers to contribute more. The new prime minister faces pressure to produce a durable plan that improves access, workforce conditions and funding, rather than delaying another long-running crisis.