Cross party talks on social care due this week

MPs will start talks on the future of social care for the elderly tomorrow. The talks, between health secretary, Andrew Lansley, care services minister, Paul Burstow, and shadow health secretary, Andy Burnham, follow repeated calls from charities and social care experts to reform the system and how it is funded.

A White Paper is due to be published by the Government in the Spring.

Age UK has published a new survey to coincide with the talks, which showed that 81% of people think the Government should do more to support the elderly.

‘We want this government to be one that shows the vision and drive to sort out the care system once and for all,’ said Age UK’s director, Michelle Mitchell.

The Daily Telegraph has reported a Department of Health working group has recommended doubling the proposed £35,000 cap on the amount an elderly or disabled person should pay for care.

The cap was proposed by economist Andrew Dilnot last year, but this new report recommends setting the cap between £50,000 and £60,000 instead.