Austerity-hit councils already face sweeping changes in the form of devolution, reorganisation and ambitious new housing targets. But with the announcement in January of a new independent commission to look at social care in England, another major transformation is on the horizon – potentially the most consequential change to how local services will be delivered in decades.

The commission, led by Baroness Louise Casey, aims to build consensus around a national care service for England – a declared aim of the Labour Government – that meets the needs of older and disabled people in the 21st century. It will report back to ministers with full recommendations by 2028.