WIREDGOV

Commenting on the report published today (Monday) by the Dilnot Commission on the funding of care and support, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The TUC welcomes the increase in funding for the care of the elderly over the next few years, and the news that social care will be free for those who become disabled before the age of 40.

'The introduction of a national eligibility assessment should avoid a 'postcode lottery' and make it possible for those receiving social care to move around the country without losing their care provision.

'The TUC believes that social care should be provided free for those who need it, and funded from general taxation. The Dilnot Commission's proposals could, however, be transformed into this NHS model by continually reducing the level of the cap on care costs. The government must not set too high a cap - a level above £50,000 per person would mean that families could still face losing their homes to pay for the vital care they need.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- For more information on the Dilnot Commission please visit www.dilnotcommission.dh.gov.uk

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

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Media enquiries:
Liz Chinchen T: 020 7467 1248 M: 07778 158175 E: media@tuc.org.uk
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Elly Gibson T: 020 7467 1337 M: 07900 910624 E: egibson@tuc.org.uk