A year-long commission set up to address the most urgent challenges facing health and social care has called for the formation of a National Care System.

In a 10-point plan following a year-long investigation, the commission called for a National Care System that was “equal but different from the NHS”, that would be administered locally and delivered by a mixture of the public and private sectors.

The commission said the system would give “everyone the right to appropriate support in a timely fashion”.

Homecare Association chief executive, Dr Jane Townson, endorsed the commission’s call for a care system that ensures timely and tailored support, which was administered locally but that adhered to national guidelines.

Townson also welcomed the report’s call for a social care workforce plan that was aligned with the NHS people plan, however, she said the association was unconvinced about calls for a single plan for the NHS and social care.

She said there were “opportunities for multidisciplinary working across health and care in neighbourhoods, which could help create a more cohesive approach to meeting the needs of individuals”.

The care leader added: “Social care cannot afford further delays in investment or reform. The time for action is now. We call upon all political parties to commit to these recommendations and to work collaboratively to implement them swiftly. Older and disabled people, their families, and the dedicated care workforce deserve nothing less.”