HomeAbout UsOur ServicesCarer BreaksForthcoming EventsParent Carer ForumCaring With ConfidenceNewsletterContact UsSupport UsLinksVacanciesCentre Lottery

IIC

Government and Opposition meet on Social Care

Ministers of Health, Andrew Lansley and Paul Burstow, met their counterparts in the Labour party  to discuss how Government can improve social care in England. This comes after the Dilnot Commission report and in advance of a Government promise to publish a White Paper on social care this Spring.

The Dilnot Commission recommended that there should be a maximum amount that anybody in their lifetime has to spend on social care, with Government paying for anything above that amount. There should also be more generous means testing, national eligibility criteria and a new duty on councils to support carers.

Whilst Andy Burnham, Labour’s shadow Health Secretary, has called for these recommendations to be “implemented in full as a first step”, Government is unsure. The Treasury could block the plans because of the extra £1.7bn p/a needed to make the changes, although this is only equal to about 0.25% of total Government spending.

Dr Moira Fraser, Director of Policy at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, is calling for carers and families from across England to take action to push for these changes.

“This is the greatest opportunity we have to improve the lives of millions by making these necessary changes to social care. We cannot continue with a system that supports fewer people, creates inequality, punishes those who save and gives little support to carers.

“However, we need to convince MPs that improving social care should be a top political priority, which means getting their attention. With others in the Care and Support Alliance, we are organising a mass lobby of MPs on 6th March. People from all over the country will have the chance to meet their MP in Parliament on this day and lobby for better social care support in England.”

Carer Information Resource

StartSocial Care & AssessmentsBenefits & FinancesRights & EmploymentEmotional SupportEmergency SupportRespite and Holidays Adaptations Mobility & EquipmentPractical HelpChildrens ServicesVulnerable Adults ServicesOlder Peoples ServicesMental Health ServicesPlanning For The FutureCondition/Service Specific Organisations