Key developments in UK social care, NHS policy and disability benefits that affect people receiving care and their families. Updated May 2026.
DWP has confirmed the 2026/27 uprating of disability benefits in line with September 2025 CPI. Attendance Allowance, PIP, Carer's Allowance and other benefits will increase from April 2026. See individual benefit guides for updated rates as they are confirmed.
The government published its response to the PIP reform consultation in early 2026. Changes to the PIP assessment criteria and the introduction of "fixed-term" awards for many conditions are being phased in. Organisations including Scope and Disability Rights UK have raised concerns about the impact on disabled people. Anyone affected by a PIP review should seek advice from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights adviser.
Following the introduction of statutory unpaid Carer's Leave in April 2024, the government's first-year review found that uptake has been positive, with employers generally accommodating requests. Carers UK has called for paid carer's leave to be introduced. The Act allows one week of unpaid leave per year for employees with caring responsibilities.
The NHS 10 Year Plan, published in January 2026, includes significant commitments to integrate health and social care, expand community-based care and reduce hospital admissions among older adults. The plan includes investment in NHS Continuing Healthcare and faster hospital discharge processes.
The 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment was the second year in which payments were restricted to those receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. Age UK estimates that over 2 million pensioners who lost the payment are in or near poverty. The government has faced significant pressure to extend eligibility — any changes to the policy will be reflected in this guide when confirmed.
The government confirmed in October 2025 that the planned £86,000 lifetime care cap and extended means-test thresholds (which were due in 2025) will be delayed indefinitely due to public spending constraints. The current means-test thresholds (£23,250 upper; £14,250 lower) remain in place. This significantly affects people with substantial assets who expected the cap to limit their care costs.
The government committed £200 million to the Dementia Mission, focused on accelerating drug development and diagnostics research. Several promising treatments for early Alzheimer's disease are in Phase 3 trials in the UK. Lecanemab was approved in the US in 2023 — its NHS availability in the UK remains under evaluation.
For authoritative UK care policy news, we recommend following:
Was this page helpful?
Contact Ekvarta on WhatsApp or email — a real person responds, not a chatbot.