New NHS-style social care system could take decades, Dilnot says
Summary
An NHS-style social care system in England, which would offer free care like the NHS, could take many years or decades to put in place, according to economist Sir Andrew Dilnot. Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to reveal more about his social care proposals soon but has not said how he will pay for them, and full implementation might not happen before the next general election.Key Facts
- Sir Andrew Dilnot, who led a social care reform commission 15 years ago, says an NHS-style system could cost more than £18 billion a year.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham wants social care to be completely free, including residential care costs.
- Currently, in England and Northern Ireland, people with assets over £23,250 are not eligible for council help with care costs.
- Scotland offers free personal care for adults who need help but does not cover accommodation and living costs.
- Burnham has said everyone would contribute to the system and has not ruled out tax increases to pay for it.
- Burnham plans to announce more details about his proposals in a conference speech but aims to keep the current tax pledges until at least the next election.
- Changes to social care could take decades to happen, possibly not before the next UK general election, which is due by 2029 but could be called earlier.
- Labour MP Darren Jones suggested reviewing the pension triple lock as one way to fund social care reforms.
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