Care reform should pass pensions test

The government’s proposals to reform the nation’s social care system must pass the same tests set for pensions reform, an independent policy group has said.

Ahead of the Department of Health’s scheduled launch of its funding Green Paper, the Resolution Foundation said the comprehensive criteria applied to pensions should become the benchmarks.

It said pensions faced the same need for political consensus; balancing of responsibility between individuals, families and the state; and need to address a general lack of public awareness.

Sue Regan, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said the pensions tests of promoting personal responsibility, fairness, affordability, clarity and sustainability were equally appropriate to care.

“Social care reform requires the same level of ambition and all-party consensus as pensions reform,” she said.

“The five tests help chart a path to a successful social care settlement. “

Ms Regan said the foundation was particularly concerned about low earners, who faced particular challenges in assessing the care they needed and navigating the system.

LGC understands that the Department is planning to launch the long-awaited Green Paper in the second half of June.