Millions ‘to get shock over social care costs’

The poll of 2,000 people by care and housing charity Anchor found almost one in four did not know that the Government does not fully fund social care for older people.

Only six per cent had begun to set money aside to fund their future care needs even though half of those face paying bills of up to £20,000 for their care in old age and one in 10 will pay costs exceeding £100,000.

The costs force many to sell their homes, even though the survey found only eight per cent would be willing to do so.

A landmark report last year called on Ministers to introduce a cap on amounts people will be expected to put towards their costs of care in old age but Ministers have so far failed to respond to the recommendations, triggering concerns they may further delay key decisions.

The Conservatives scuppered plans to introduce a tax on estates two years ago, branding the levy a “death tax”, although it was supported by Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Anchor chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “These figures lay bare the scale of the care crisis.

“It has been all too convenient for politicians to allow it to remain hidden from individuals until it is too late. It is essential that the Government acts now to reform this broken system.

“Too often, people only learn that they have to pay for their care at the point they need it.

“This is a national crisis, which is relevant to each of us irrespective of our current age. The Government must not be allowed to ignore this.”