This latest report has many positive recommendations, both for long-term changes and immediate steps to support people with social care needs. However, it is one of many reports published on social care in recent years, and so far we’ve seen very little action. What we need now is a firm commitment from the government that these recommendations will be taken forward and that change will happen.
Laura Weir, head of policy and campaigns, MS Society
We need a national care service which delivers better care for all, free at the point of need. How that comprehensive system is properly funded is the key challenge to meet the growing needs of our ageing population.
I consider that any future solution for funding better care for older people must pass three tests: it must be fair, simple and sustainable. It must aim to share the risks and costs of care. A care duty on estates levied as a small percentage, say 2.5% on all estates above £25,000, is a fair option to pay for better care because payment is related to people’s wealth. It is simple to set up as we already have a collection mechanism in place and it is sustainable because it can keep pace with our ageing population and increase as wealth increases.
Stephen Burke, Counsel and Care
Millions of older people and their families are being let down by a care system that is in desperate need of reform. We are pleased that politicians from all parties have acknowledged this but what we need now is action.
The time has come for all parties to set out how they will work together to achieve real change for older people receiving care now and in the future.
None of the parties have yet set out full proposals for reform of the care system and none of the proposals appear to have costed in money to improve the quality of today’s sub-standard services. Political parties need to spell out how they will improve the quality and availability of services.
Hilary Evans, Age UK
Photo: Downing Street 2010