In focus
The stories we keep following, with everything we’ve published on each: articles, charts and short reads.
The Casey Commission
Baroness Casey's independent commission on adult social care in England is due to make its recommendations by summer 2027.
Updated 12 October 2026 · 4 articles
Council fees and funding
County and rural councils in England expect to spend £7bn a year more by 2028/29 than in 2025/26, the County Councils Network says, with adult social care a main driver but no figure given for its share.
Updated 20 October 2026 · 6 articles
Dementia policy in England
Applications for England's first national dementia tsar closed on 8 October 2026.
Updated 21 October 2026 · 2 articles
Overseas care recruitment
Direct overseas recruitment into care ended in July 2025.
Updated 21 October 2026 · 2 articles
Unpaid carers and paid work
Carers UK says 1.1 million people in the UK left work in the last two years to provide unpaid care.
Updated 21 October 2026 · 4 articles
CQC reform
MPs on the Health and Social Care Committee endorsed Baroness Julia Neuberger as the government's choice to chair the Care Quality Commission on 23 September 2026.
Updated 20 October 2026 · 1 article
The National Care Service
Prime Minister Andy Burnham proposes a free National Care Service for England, paid for by changing the state pension triple lock, as a commitment for the next general election.
Updated 20 October 2026 · 7 articles