SOCIAL CARE REVIEW IS SLAP IN THE FACE FOR ELDERLY - LAMB

11.18.29am GMT Thu 31st Jan 2008

Commenting on the Government's announcement of a review of the rules on eligibility in social care following today's report from Commission for Social Care Inspection, Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb said: "This is a slap in the face for all the elderly people forced to wait until they are in desperately critical need before they get any help at home.

"This Government has presided over a collapse of elderly services. Ministers have responded to the chronic warnings of a looming crisis only with criminal under funding. Older people need more investment in services, not another review.

"Councils simply aren't able to provide social services fairly under the current system of funding. The Government should stop dithering and start fundamental reform now.

"Liberal Democrat proposals for a 'personal care payment' would ensure a fair deal for all elderly people who needed personal care and would put an end to the criminal injustice of poor access to social care."

Notes

1. The Commission for Social Care and Inspection today published their annual state of social care in England report.

2. The 2007 CSR settlement for social care meant that the majority (two-thirds) of the money will only available in 2010:

£32 million 2007-8, £88 million 2009-10, £190 million 2010-11

3. Liberal Democrats recently outlined their plans for NHS reform, which will go to the Party's Spring Conference in March. They included introducing a 'Care Guarantee' by spending £2 billion on a personal care payment for all elderly people requiring care, based on need and not their ability to pay. It would also set out carers' rights including the right to complain about unsatisfactory care.

For more details, see:

<http://www.libdems.org.uk//media/documents/policies/consultation_papers/Empowerment%20Fairness%20and%20Quality%20in%20Health%20Care.pdf>