FREE PERSONAL CARE UNDER A LABOUR GOVERNMENT

Stafford’s Labour MP David Kidney says this is all about joining up health and social care services to help people stay as independent and as well as possible:

“As a Government we have invested in health and social services and we have invested increasingly in prevention as well as treatment. Now this move will help all those people with the greatest care needs, including those people with serious dementia or Alzheimer’s, who currently fund their own care.

“Investment in intensive support and prevention for all those with high care needs will reduce the costs of care for individuals including those funding their own care. This free personal care offer will act as a bridge to the National Care Service, which we have been consulting on this year.  Older people and younger disabled people tell us that they would like to maintain their ability to live at home for as long as possible and supporting them to do this is a priority for us. 

“In practice we will offer a period of intensive support to people when they first contact the local authority or, for people currently receiving services, when the local authority believes they may benefit. We will also help them identify whether any adaptations or technology can increase their independence and reduce their care needs, helping them save on the costs of their care and support.   For those who continue to have the highest care needs we will offer free personal care, regardless of means.”

The cost of Free Personal Care will be £335m in the first half year (£210m from Department Health and £125m from local government efficiencies) and £670m in the first full year. Of this £670m, £420m will come from DH and £250m from local government efficiencies.

In their response to the announcement of the National Care service the Conservatives have alledged that the service would have to be funded by cuts in other benefits. Andy Burham has replied-

“The Tories should be ashamed of their irresponsible scaremongering. It is gutter politics deliberately aimed at confusing some of the most vulnerable people in society. It is completely wrong to claim that we are funding any aspect of Labour's care reform proposals by cutting people's benefits. The proposals outlined in the Queen's speech are funded through efficiencies and reprioritisations within existing budgets.

"We will set out separate funding proposals for a National Care Service
later, but we have already ruled out using Disability Living Allowance
for under-65s. Those currently receiving Attendance Allowance and those over 65receiving DLA would continue to receive an equivalent level of support and protection in any reformed system”