Response to Government’s social care announcement

Richard Lloyd, executive director, Which? said:

“Successive governments have for too long ducked the crucial decisions on social care funding, while people continue to suffer unacceptable levels of care.  The Health Secretary must now end the uncertainty and confusion people face about their future care provision and the costs they will face so that they can adequately prepare.  

“Today’s announcement of deferred payments does little to fill the gap left by the Government’s indecision on the level of a funding cap.  There are many unanswered questions and we want assurance from the Government that people will not be hit by high interest charges and fees. These loans must be fair and simple to understand and  independent advice must also be available, not solely from councils.

“We welcome the Government ‘s commitment to improving  the information for people planning long term care and the introduction of a new national standard to give people greater clarity  and end the postcode lottery. However, this must come with a guarantee of a consistently good basic quality of care  for all.  Our investigations found shocking examples of poor care, with people’s safety compromised by an already over-stretched and under-funded system.  The Care Quality Commission needs to demonstrate they have learned from their past failings and the inspection regime ensures the highest standards of care are met.”

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