Dilnot warns Burnham's free social care plan could take DECADES and cost far more than £18bn a year
From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026.
Everton fans celebrate in the stands. Andy Burnham has called the 40-year ban on drinking alcohol in view of the pitch "discrimination" against football supporters.
Sir Andrew Dilnot, who led the government's landmark social care review, has told the BBC that Andy Burnham's NHS-style care pledge will take decades to deliver and that the £18bn annual price tag is a serious underestimate. Burnham confirmed the service will cover older adults only, not children, and admitted he will not implement the reforms before the 2029 general election. He left open the possibility of tax increases, with a 10 per cent death tax on all inheritances described as still 'on the table'. There are reportedly suggestions within government of scrapping the state pension triple lock to help fund the plan.
Sir Andrew Dilnot said Burnham's announcement means change 'is now further away' than previously implied.
Former Labour cabinet minister Darren Jones openly suggested axeing the triple lock, calling it 'very expensive' and ripe for reform if money is being reallocated to elderly care.
A senior NHS doctor who ran care services warns additional billions could be 'quietly absorbed' by the system before reaching the front line.
