Story perspectives

Burnham Announces Free Adult Social Care at Point of Use

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 2:15 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced adult social care will be free at the point of use.
He pledged to tackle youth unemployment, noting the 16-24 jobless rate is 16.4%, the highest since 2014.
Burnham said the government will reset the water industry and increase public control over it.
He introduced Great British Grid, a publicly owned body to work with private firms on electricity connections.

History

Historical Context

Attlee’s Labour government passed the Electricity Act 1947 (royal assent 13 August) and created the British Electricity Authority, which on 1 April 1948 took over 505 local undertakings and formed 14 area boards. The resulting national grid later powered the NHS and set a precedent for state-run utilities. Mayor Andy Burnham’s “Great British Grid” proposal and tighter water control revive that post-war ethos.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced adult social care will be free at the point of use.
He pledged to tackle youth unemployment, noting the 16-24 jobless rate is 16.4%, the highest since 2014.
Burnham said the government will reset the water industry and increase public control over it.
He introduced Great British Grid, a publicly owned body to work with private firms on electricity connections.

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