Thank you for contacting me about adult social care.
I believe that we must all receive dignified care in old age. With an ageing population, this is one of the biggest challenges that our country faces. I stand by the Government’s commitment to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are given the support that they need. While it is important to note that more than four of every five people in care are looked after by good and outstanding organisations, more needs to be done to tackle this serious challenge, crucially by securing a long term funding solution. I’m delighted that the Prime Minister has spoken of his determination to tackle this, stating in his first speech as Prime Minister that “we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared, to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve”.
At the Spending Review in November 2020, local authorities were enabled to access over £1 billion of spending for social care, through £300 million of social care grant, and the ability to levy a three per cent adult social care precept. This is in addition to the £1 billion social care grant announced during 2019, and the £3 billion provided to local authorities to address COVID-19 pressures, including in adult social care. I know that this Government is committed to sustainable improvement of the adult social care system.
Money alone will not fix the problem and reform is needed to encourage high standards across the whole country. It is vital for us to consider ways of encouraging collaboration between health and care services, such as the Better Care Fund which assists local government and the NHS with the implementation of integrated services.
Deferred Payment Agreements: Where someone can afford to pay for their care it has been made clear that they should not be compelled to sell their home during their lifetime to do so. That is why the Government legislated to make deferred payment agreements available across England for people with less than £23,250 in non-housing wealth. By entering into a deferred payment agreement, a person can ‘defer’ or delay paying the costs of their care and support until a later date, including out of their estate if they choose.
Taxed Income: I understand that there are currently no plans to introduce an additional tax allowance for self-funding residents. I want to reassure you that social care costs are an important consideration of the ongoing discussions about reforming social care, and I will continue to monitor this issue closely.
The Government remains committed to its aim of building the same level of consensus on social care that we have already built on the NHS, across political parties, so that an answer can be brought forward that solves the problem, commands the widest possible support, and stands the test of time. I firmly support the renewed commitment in the Queen's Speech to bring forward proposals to reform social care during this Parliament, and look forward to taking part in a conversation about establishing a care system fit for the 21st century.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
June 2021 (Updated August 2021)