Local authorities call for a review of the winter care backlog

The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs.

The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year.

Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began.

The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment.

The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.