Social care for disabled adults is in as much crisis as support for elderly people – so why is the government silent about it? | John Harris

The Guardian reports: Working-age adults such as my son, who is autistic, face a fragmented and unreliable system, yet ministers talk only of a national care service for older people Seemingly brilliant conference speeches are often followed by a hangover, and so it has arguably proved with Andy Burnham’s.

But equally, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to be more generous and patient.

This politics story centres on the United Kingdom. Names and organisations mentioned in the coverage include John Harris, Seemingly and Andy Burnham.

Why it matters

Developments in politics can affect laws, budgets and public trust, which is why they draw close scrutiny.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Oct 2026, 10:30 IST

Key names

John Harris, Seemingly, Andy Burnham, PM

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianSocial care for disabled adults is in as much crisis as support for elderly people – so why is the government silent about it? | John Harris 5 Oct, 10:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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