Streeting says private equity ban plan dropped from Labour manifesto
8 reported
Wes Streeting has stated that his plan to ban “private equity sharks” from the social care sector was removed from the Labour manifesto, according to a Fabian Society report. Streeting, who resigned as health and social care secretary after the May elections, accused the government of “overcautiousness” in reforming the industry. He said the plan, first announced in 2022, would have banned firms failing to meet national standards in care, workers’ rights and financial sustainability. A Labour source said Keir Starmer’s team removed the policy because they worried it looked “anti-business.” Streeting also said “Downing Street delay” means the Casey commission review into adult social care reform will not conclude until 2028, making major change before the next general election unlikely. Other Labour voices in the report, including MP Anna Dixon, criticized the government’s slow progress on social care reform. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is committed to creating a National Care Service and has begun paving the way.
What’s reported
Wes Streeting said his plan to ban “private equity sharks” from social care was cut from the Labour manifesto.
The policy was first announced in 2022 and would have banned firms failing to meet national standards in care, workers’ rights and financial sustainability.
A Labour source said Keir Starmer’s team removed the policy because they worried it looked “anti-business.”
Streeting said “Downing Street delay” means the Casey commission review will not conclude until 2028.
Streeting resigned as health and social care secretary and called on Starmer to resign as prime minister shortly after the May elections.
Andy Burnham is also expected to run for the leadership if he wins this week’s byelection.
Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley, criticized a lack of “pace and urgency” on social care reform.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is committed to creating a National Care Service and has provided £4.6bn additional funding for local authorities.
Key figures
Wes Streeting, former health and social care secretary
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Andy Burnham, potential leadership candidate
Anna Dixon, Labour MP for Shipley
Ben Cooper, research manager at the Fabian Society
Baroness Casey, leading the Casey commission review
Sources: The Guardian
