Political parties face concerted pressure over crisis in care

A group of more than 60 government advisers, charity directors and independent experts published a letter yesterday warning that the continuing failure to meet the challenge of an ageing population is resulting in “terrible examples of abuse and neglect”.

The signatories, who included representatives from the British Medical Association, Age UK and the TUC, called for cross-party support to secure “urgent, fundamental and lasting reform” to a system which can leave some elderly people without basic care, and others forced to sell their homes to support themselves.

Their words echoed recent comments from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. Last month, he called on David Cameron to show “leadership of a particularly high order” in implementing the proposals of the Dilnot Commission into the future of social care, which concluded that no one should pay more than £35,000 for care bills during their lifetime.

Yesterday’s letter advocated a similar cap on care costs, stating: “The unavoidable challenge we face is how to support the increasing number of people who need care.

“It is currently a challenge which we are failing to meet– resulting in terrible examples of abuse and neglect in parts of the care system.

A White Paper is due in April.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We recognise that there is a need in this country to reform social care, and ensuring the dignity and the independence of older people and disabled people in this country are a priority for the Government.”

Comment: Page 12.