Ministers reject ‘betrayal’ charge over delay to cap on care costs

By The Press Association14th September 2015News EnglandBusiness / Funding / Finance, Care Act, Care Costs, Finance, News England

The Government has defended its decision to delay the cap on care costs in England until 2020 against accusations of a “betrayal”.

Health spokeswoman Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen told the Lords at question time that ministers remained committed to the policy.

But she said “hard choices” had had to be made over the change and April next year was not the right time to go ahead.

Ministers announced in July that the flagship policy to limit costs to £72,000 for the over-65s and younger adults with disabilities was to be postponed after councils warned of “enormous pressures”.

Lady Chisholm said the decision followed careful consideration of feedback on the “significant and expensive” reforms.

“We do remain committed to these important reforms that offer financial protection and peace of mind,” she said.

“We have had to make hard choices balancing the benefits of the cap against the need to focus on the system that supports our most vulnerable.”

For Labour Baroness Wheeler (pictured) said the Tories’ election manifesto had said the plan would offer peace of mind and protection. Campaign groups felt delay would cause unacceptable costs to be born by people with dementia.

She asked what actions the Government would take during this Parliament to meet its commitments to this key group.

Lady Chisholm said the policy had not been cancelled and would be brought in by 2020. Until then means-tested support remained available for those who couldn’t afford to pay for care.

Labour’s Baroness Pitkeathley warned that for many families the delay was seen as a “betrayal” adding to their disillusion about the “consistent under-funding of social care”.

She added: “Families who look after people, for example with Alzheimer’s, can’t go on taking this responsibility if promises are broken and the support they need is either non-existent or too expensive.”

Lady Chisholm said the decision had not been taken lightly but councils had made clear the need to think carefully about all the options, including postponement.

Liberal Democrat Baroness Brinton told peers: “We face a perfect storm with health and social care. There was cross-party agreement in advance of the 2010 election that the cap was absolutely vital.”

Lady Chisholm said the change amounted to the biggest reform to how care was paid for since 1948, adding: “We must ensure the new system works from day one.

“Local authorities and others have consistently warned us of the risks of implementing this too quickly.”