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The care and support white paper, Caring for our future: reforming care and support, sets out the vision for a reformed care and support system. Commenting on the proposals, Mike Farrar said: "There is much to be applauded in the Government's proposals. The focus on quality and control will empower people to have a much greater say in decisions about how and where they receive their care.

Dignity

"We are particularly encouraged to see the emphasis on dignity in these proposals. Our joint Dignity Commission has stressed the importance of working with older people and their carers to shape services around their needs. We are especially pleased to see the Government has taken on board the Commission's recommendations to set minimum training standards for healthcare assistants and develop a system which will give people more information about their care and the services they use.

Welcome boost for local authorities

"The transfer of resources from the NHS budget to social care, while relatively small, will be a welcome boost for local authorities. It will also provide clinical commissioning groups with an opportunity to flex their muscles and ensure resources are used to deliver joined-up care.

Not clear

He added: "The introduction of a minimum national eligibility threshold rightly aims to prevent variations in care. But it is not clear how this will work in practice.

Helping people access care and support

"In the Government’s progress report on funding reform the proposal to introduce a universal system of deferred payment for social care will go some way to helping people access the care and support they need.

Urgent need for firm, cohesive plan

"But this will not address the long-term problems we face. We urgently need a firm, cohesive plan about how funding for social care will work in the future. We need an open and honest debate about what the state can afford to provide and what individuals will have to pay for. It is absolutely essential that the Government makes clear the financial implications a cap on care costs could have for people who choose to opt in to any future funding programme.

Action now

"We need to take action on this issue now. The country cannot afford to pick up the pieces of a broken social care system. The longer we wait the worse the problem will grow." 

Briefing for members

A briefing for members summarising the main points of the proposals is available to download now.