T H E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R N U R S I N G A N D R E S I D E N T I A L C A R E H O M E S Issue 120
W W W. T H E C A R E R U K . C O M
THECARERUK
THECARERUK
THECARER_UK
Social Care Sector Anger Over Care Reform ‘Betrayal’ New chancellor urged to invest vital £7bn extra
Campaigners say plans to delay vital reform of the social care sector are a betrayal of the country’s oldest and most vulnerable people. It has been reported that changes aimed at helping older and vulnerable adults meet the cost of their care are to be put back by at least a year. The provider organisation, the Independent Care Group (ICG) described the news as “a kick in the teeth” for the sector. ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “This is an unfair, cruel and brutal betrayal of social care, which is always a soft target when cuts and delays are around. “It is morally wrong that in a civilised country we cannot find a way to look after our most vulnerable without them having to sell the family home to have
some dignity and care.” The changes, including a more generous means-test and a lifetime cap on care costs of £86,000, were due to come into effect in October next year but there are reports that they are to be delayed a further year because councils do not have the resources to implement them. The ICG has today written to the new Chancellor urging him to intervene and protect social care by spending the extra £7bn a year he has previously said the sector needs.
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