Welcome to Yorkshire
News • August 21st, 2026
|The City of York is inviting its residents to take part in a vital discussion about the future of adult social care, known as the 'Big Conversation on Care'. This initiative aims to gather opinions and experiences from everyone in the community, whether they receive care, provide unpaid support, work in the care sector, or simply have an interest in how care services are shaped and delivered.
A crucial service
Adult social care is a crucial service that affects many people at different stages of their lives. It includes support for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or living with serious health conditions. The upcoming conversation is essential for ensuring that the voices of York residents are heard, as their insights are key to developing better care services that meet the needs of the community.
Baroness Casey of Blackstock, who is spearheading this initiative, emphasised the importance of this conversation. She stated,
“For too long, we have been stuck in the same cycle: crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care, and their families, bear the brunt.”
This highlights the ongoing challenges faced in the care system and the need for a fresh approach.
What Questions Will Be Asked?
The Big Conversation aims to tackle some tough questions regarding adult social care, including:
Who should a National Care Service support?
What responsibilities should families be expected to take on?
How can care be funded in a fair and sustainable manner?
These questions are designed to provoke thoughtful discussions that can lead to meaningful reforms in the care system. By participating, residents can influence how care is provided in their community and beyond.
Local Leaders' Support
City of York Council leaders are backing this initiative and are encouraging everyone to participate.
Cllr Claire Douglas, the Leader of the City of York Council, remarked:
“This conversation hands us all a direct role in shaping the future of adult social care. York is currently carrying out significant work to improve its social care service for the benefit of our residents. This Big Conversation is timely and important.”
Additionally, Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, the Executive Member for Adult Social Care, stated:
“Everyone in York, from every perspective, can contribute by engaging honestly with the difficult questions that must be answered if we are to build the shared agreement needed for lasting reform.”
This shows a united front from local leaders in the quest for better care services.
How to Get Involved
The Big Conversation on Care is open to all residents of York, and participation is encouraged. People can share their thoughts and experiences by visiting the website caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation/. The conversation will continue until April 2027, at which point the Independent Commission will present its recommendations by summer 2027.
Engagement in this conversation is crucial, as it not only allows individuals to voice their opinions but also helps shape a care system that works for everyone. The insights gathered will directly influence how services are designed and delivered in the future.
