Age-old question

AS this newspaper has stated previously, Labour is right to have the foresight to look at how health policy and social care can be integrated so the frail and vulnerable are no longer passed from pillar to post.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Apr 2013, 09:36 BST

The need for a joined-up care policy is highlighted by public watchdogs criticising David Cameron for highlighting an increase in NHS spending since the 2010 election when this rise has been more than offset by cuts to local authority care budgets.

Yet, while Ed Miliband’s new commission will look at the practicalities of an integrated care policy to take account of an ageing population, he also needs to explain how any changes will be funded – and the consequences for taxpayers.

With the Nuffield Trust predicting a £29bn shortfall in care costs by 2020, Mr Miliband – the Doncaster North MP – needs to start answering detailed questions about his approach to public spending. If he does not, he will leave Labour open to the Tory charge that they have not learned any lessons from the financial free-for-all presided over by Gordon Brown and Ed Balls.