News

11/07/2012 16:10:36

Government announces care reforms

The government has today (July 11th) announced it is planning a major overhaul of the care system in the UK.

Launching the Care and Support White Paper, together with the draft care and support bill, secretary of state for health Andrew Lansley called it "the most comprehensive overhaul of social care since 1948".

As part of the proposals, the government is planning to cap costs and extend the means test for social care, as recommended by the Dilnot Commission.

However, the government also said that it is not able to guarantee from where the money to fund these plans will come until the next Spending Review.

Stephen Gay, director of life, savings and protection at the Association of British Insurers, told the Financial Times that delaying the decision would make financial planning harder.

"These frustrating delays have left people in constant limbo, unable to plan ahead and facing up to funding their care when it is too late," he said.