Care debate 'bigger than any party'

The three main political parties have agreed to discuss the future of elderly care
12 April 2012

The three main political parties have agreed to discuss the future of elderly care - but the political row over the issue shows no sign of ending.

Health Secretary Andy Burnham, Tory counterpart Andrew Lansley and Lib Dem spokesman Norman Lamb accepted an invitation from age charities to attend a debate in the next two weeks.

It followed a conference called by Mr Burnham involving charities, local authorities and care providers to discuss a national care service for England, which the Conservatives refused to attend - branding it a "Labour Party political ploy".

Bitter feuding has broken out in recent weeks over how the service should be funded, with the Tories insisting Labour wants to introduce a £20,000 compulsory charge - dubbed a "death tax" - which Mr Lansley vehemently opposes.

After the meeting in London, the Health Secretary said it was "one of the most important debates facing the country" and insisted the parties could work together to find agreement.

"What people may not realise is that, for all the sound and fury of recent days, there is a good degree more consensus across political parties and the care world than people may realise," Mr Burnham said.

A summary of the conference suggested there was an "emerging consensus" among delegates towards a compulsory method of funding, but also expressed concern about the possible reform of disability benefits.

The Department of Health said ministers would consider all the opinions expressed at the meeting, but Mr Lansley again called for the Government to make clear whether it backed a compulsory levy.

"They talk about a national care service but won't say how it's to be funded," he said. "They plan a death tax in private but put up a smokescreen in public. They say they will publish a white paper in weeks but the election is imminent. The public have a right to a clear choice. So I challenge Gordon Brown to be straight with voters, is he in favour of a death tax or not?"

The Tories said Mr Lansley was happy to attend the forthcoming debate, hosted by Age Concern and Help The Aged, even if plans for a compulsory charge would be discussed - because it was a "neutral platform". And he added: "We have been clear about our choices. We will create a partnership between the state and families; we will give people the option of a voluntary insurance scheme to protect their homes; we will retain cash disability benefits and we will boost preventative support to help elderly people maintain their independence."

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