An independent commission was set up by the government last July to recommend a fair and sustainable funding system for adult social care in England.
In the Dilnot report published today into long term care it recommends a cap of of around £35,000 on individuals’ lifetime contributions towards their social care costs.
Dilnot’s key recommendations:
• Individuals’ lifetime contributions towards their social care costs – which are currently potentially unlimited – should be capped. Once eligible, individuals would receive full state support. The cap should be between £25,000 and £50,000. Consideration that £35,000 is the fairest figure
• The means-tested threshold, above which people are liable for their full care costs, should be increased from £23,250 to £100,000
• All those who enter adulthood with a care and support need should be eligible for free state support immediately rather than being subjected to a means test.
• People should contribute a standard amount to cover their general living costs such as food and accommodation, during residential care
• Universal disability benefits should continue, but Attendance Allowance should be renamed so people understand its purpose
• An awareness campaign should be launched to help people understand
• Carers should be supported by improved assessments which aim to ensure that the impact on the carer is manageable and sustainable
• The deferred payment offer should be extended so it is available to everyone, wherever they live.
Interesting statistics;
The Commission estimates its proposals – based on £35,000 – would cost the State around £1.7bn.
In the next 20 years, the number of people aged 85 and over in England is projected to double to 2.4 million.
A quarter of 65-year-olds today can expect to face care costs of over £50,000 and for one in ten it will be more than £100,000.
I support the findings and would broadly encourage the Goverment to give a go-ahead to the Long Term Care proposals
