Written question asked by Sarah Russell (Labour) on Monday, 12 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Monday, 26 October 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Social Services: Staff

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the NHS workforce to meet the demand for social care services (a) in 2026 (b) 2036 (c) 2050.

Answer: Such assessments are taking place to inform the preparation of the (a) social care workforce plan, and (b) 10 Year Workforce Plan, that the Government has committed to publish, but for the longer-term projections that the Hon. Member has proposed, it will be one of the roles of Baroness Casey’s commission to analyse long-term demand for social care services and how the provision of social care will need to change to meet that rising demand, including through the dedicated workforce of a National Care Service.

Secondary information