A Somerset MP has urged the government to speed up its plans to reform adult social care – claiming that a 105-year-old D-Day veteran could soon be forced to change care homes.

The government launched the Casey Commission on Friday (January 3), which will seek a cross-party consensus on reforming adult social care in light of Britain's ageing population and the growing financial pressure on its local authorities to provide care services.

The commission is expected to report its recommendations in two stages – an initial round of recommendations by 2026, and a final report in 2028.

But Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Dyke has urged the government to speed up this process, citing the plight of an elderly war hero within her Glastonbury and Somerton constituency.

Ms Dyke made her plea in the House of Commons on Monday (January 6), after health secretary Wes Streeting MP announced proposals for wider NHS reform in a bid to cut waiting lists.

She said: "I am concerned about the lengthy time-scale set out in the social care review, with the second phase not due to report until 2028.

"The care system is broken and it particularly affects rural areas such as Glastonbury and Somerton.

"For example, a resident in Castle Cary, a 105-year-old D-Day veteran, is facing moving care homes due to high care costs. This will have a negative impact on his health, well-being and quality of life.

"What actions will the secretary of state take in the near term to reform the social care sector and provide older people with the dignity they deserve?"

Ms Dyke did not name the veteran concerned or the care home at which he was currently living.

Mr Streeting – who represents the Ilford North constituency in north London – responded: "The first part of the Casey Commission will be reporting next year, so we can set out a whole range of further actions that will be needed throughout this parliament.

"We have taken a great number of actions already in the first six months and I dare say there will be more to follow in the next 12 months.

"I must say it is very encouraging that one thing we are hearing from across the House on the Casey Commission overall is to go faster.

"I think that shows genuine cross-party appetite on this issue and that is a really good place to start."

The government's Plan for Change aims to reduce the pressures on the NHS and local authorities by keeping older people out of hospital for longer and enabling them to live at home more independently.

To this end, Mr Streeting announced on Friday (January 3) an additional £86m for the disabled facilities grant scheme, whereby elderly and disabled people can secure funding to make improvements to their homes to improve their independence, such as hand rails and wheelchair ramps.