Jim Kane, chief executive officer at Community Integrated Care, said the Casey Commission was a ‘much welcome step forward for people with learning disabilities' but added the urgent challenges facing the sector, including pay and funding for it were issues that must be addressed ‘immediately', not just as a matter of fairness but in order to stabilise the sector.

The chief executive added: ‘While we support the ambition to build a consensus for long-term reform of funding for social care, this focus should not overshadow the immediate need for investment in the Spending Review 2026 to 2029, and action to improve the commissioning of social care services, support digitally enabled care and implement a national social care workforce strategy.

‘The time for action is now, and as a sector, we stand ready to work with the Government to secure a brighter future for those who rely on social care, their families and the workforce that supports them.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The costs of care are set to double in the next 20 years which is why the Casey Commission will work to build consensus around a National Care Service that is fair and affordable.

‘The Casey Commission will publish its first report next year and we have set out immediate actions to support people receiving care, including increased funding to allow disabled people to stay in their homes.

‘Alongside this, we are giving local authorities up to an additional £3.7bn in 2025-26, including a £880m increase in the social care grant to support the sector.'