House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Adult Social Care, Public Health & Dentistry
23 February 2026 · Department of Health and Social Care
Proposed by Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Social care allowances for working-age adults will increase by 7% above inflation from April 2026.
- 723 million is allocated for the Disabled Facilities Grant in 2026-27.
- A consultation on smoke-free places ends on May 6, 2026, with secondary legislation to follow.
- High street dentists are required to offer a minimum number of urgent dental appointments.
Issue summary
The statement discusses updates on social care allowances, Disabled Facilities Grant funding, smoke-free places consultation, and urgent dental appointments.
Action requested
From April 2026, social care allowances for working-age adults will increase by 7% above inflation. £723 million is allocated for the Disabled Facilities Grant in 2026-27. A consultation on smoke-free places ends on May 6, 2026, and secondary legislation will follow. High street dentists are required to offer a minimum number of urgent appointments.
Key facts
- Social care allowances rise by 7% above CPI inflation (3.8%) from April 2026.
- £400 more annually for over 150,000 working-age disabled adults.
- £723 million allocated to Disabled Facilities Grant in 2026-27.
- Consultation on smoke-free places open until May 6, 2026.
- High street dentists must offer minimum urgent appointments from April 2026.