Senior Tory MP urges ‘sane national plan’ to tackle social care funding

A senior Tory MP has urged Theresa May’s Government to quickly resolve social care funding, telling ministers: “Just get on and do it.”

Sir Nicholas Soames questioned why a “sane national plan” similar to those produced by other countries does not exist in the UK.

He suggested the Tories should work with other parties and experts.

A negative response to Tory manifesto plans to make pensioners pay for social care by selling their homes after they died led to the Queen’s Speech only referencing a pledge to consult on “proposals to improve social care”.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd reiterated the plan for a consultation as she spoke for the Government during the fifth day of debate on the speech in the Commons.

Former minister Sir Nicholas (pictured) said: “What is it in our system that seems to mean that we cannot arrive at a sane national plan – like Denmark, the Netherlands or Japan – that deals effectively, humanely and decently with care for the elderly in all its complexity?

“I say to the Government, just get on and do it – and work across all parties and with all the considerable expertise that this country has to get this done.”

Ms Rudd earlier told MPs: “In 10 years’ time there will be two million more people over the age of 75, and it is essential that they’ll be able to live well and get the care they need.

“The Government has already invested an additional £2 billion into social care to relieve pressure but more needs to be done, which is why the Government is committed to listening to people’s views about how to reform the system.

“Full plans will be consulted on in due course.”

_{Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2017, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) Andrew Matthews / PA Wire.}