Care sector calls for political consensus

A coalition of groups working with older people have called on the political parties to work together to ensure future funding for the care sector.

In a letter to the prime minister and other party leader the groups, including the Local Government Association, Age UK and Bupa, warn the increased pressure on public finances "is pushing an already over-burdened system to breaking point".

The coalition of groups said the care sector want to work with all parties because "delay is not an option".

Andrew Dilnot’s commission on funding of care and support prepares to make its final recommendations next month.

Care for disabled adults and older people is expected to cost £24bn annually by 2026.

"As a number of recent reports have highlighted, the increased pressure on public finances is pushing an already over-burdened system to breaking point," the care sector coalition wrote.

"And without further integration between health and social care services this picture could worsen. It is frail, older people who will suffer unless the issue is resolved.

"We, the co-signed, are urging all political parties to respond to the independent commission’s report in a measured process of debate and work to build a consensus on the solution. We therefore look forward to working with you and your team as this urgent reform is taken forward this Parliament."

In April the APPG for ageing and older people published its submission to the Dilnot commission.

MPs Penny Mordaunt, Greg Mulholland, Malcolm Wicks and Stephen Lloyd, in an article for ePolitix.com, called for "creative thinking to be given to developing financial products which can help support people to pay for their care".

"We feel a 'revolution' needs to take place in what's on offer. Products enabling asset liquidation, equity release and insurance should all be considered, and thought should be given to pensions or occupational pension schemes being designed to be not just for pension purposes, but for long-term care as well.

"More generally, awareness of the various options that are already available must be promoted, so that people are able to plan."

Dilnot is due to report in July.

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