In November 2011
UKHCA wrote to councils in England and Wales asking six key questions
about how the council engages with homecare providers and the effect their actions
are having on providers and those receiving services. We reminded councils that
while judicial reviews against commissioners have so far been mounted by residential
providers, authorities must also consider the implications of their commissioning
decisions for domiciliary care providers.
UKHCA
has written a second letter to councils, reminding them about some of the specific
cost pressures facing providers and the need for councils to take these into account
in their commissioning. We also asked for specific information about the number
of people receiving homecare and the cost of that care in 2010 and 2011. We also
asked about the number of people receiving direct payments and the cost of those
in 2010 and 2011.
Members can find responses to our letter from their own council on our
Commissioning Page.
Website to help employers recruit social care workers
CareJobFinder.org is an innovative, free service
to help employers contact people actively looking for work in social care. The service
has been created by
UKHCA and funded by the Department of Health.
Employers recruiting staff to work in homecare agencies, extra-care housing schemes
and housing support services can register to use the service by visiting
www.carejobfinder.org/join. When prospective recruits submit their details
on-line, employers in the local area will receive an e-mail containing full contact
details, a summary of previous experience and the recruit's work preferences. Employers
then have the option to contact prospective recruits directly and begin their normal
recruitment processes.
More information, frequently asked questions and the simple registration process
for employers can be found at www.carejobfinder.org/join.
Welcome
United Kingdom Homecare Association
Ltd
(UKHCA) is the professional association of home care providers from the independent,
voluntary, not-for-profit and statutory sectors.
UKHCA helps organisations that provide social care, which may include
nursing services, to people in their own homes, promoting high standards of care
and providing representation with national and regional policy-makers and regulators.
The Association represents over two-thousand members across the United Kingdom, in England,
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
UKHCA Statement following BBC TV report 13th June 2013
UKHCA has issued a statement following BBC TV's report dated 13th June 2013 involving member Mosaic Care.
Announcement posted on: 17 June 2013
UKHCA welcomes debate on care standards for health and social care
United Kingdom Homecare Association, the professional association for homecare providers, today welcomed the Care Quality Commission’s consultation “A new start”, which opens up debate on quality standards in health and social care. The CQC is proposing to set “Fundamental Standards” - the most basic minimum standards that the health and social care providers must meet or face enforcement action. The fundamental standards will not replace CQC’s current Essential Standards of Quality and Safety, although these will be re-written in the future. CQC is also proposing changes to the way it handles inspections and to introduce a rating system for providers. New providers will also face tougher requirements to register with CQC.
Announcement posted on: 17 June 2013
Homecare Innovation Challenge
Yesterday saw the launch of the Homecare Innovation Challenge, reported in the media as 'crisis talks'.
Our Chief Executive Bridget Warr took part in a panel discussion with the Minister for Care services, Norman Lamb and Baroness Joan Bakewell on Newsnight to discuss the BBC's report on homecare and the Homecare Innovation Challenge. You can view the edition of newsnight online.
We will be working with the Minister and his Department on the Homcare Innovation Challenge and will be contacting members to let them know how they can get involved.
Announcement posted on: 14 June 2013
Public Accounts Committee warns of perilous state of council finances
As we approach the Government's Spending Review, the Public Accounts Committee has queried the financial modelling of local authorities in response to public spending cuts and warned that dozens could be on the brink of financial collapse. It said there needs to be a better understanding of the impact of council funding reductions, including how they affect other public sector areas. For example, whether cuts in local authority adult social care could lead to bed blocking in hospitals. The PAC was concerned that contingency planning for councils in serious financial difficulties was inadequate, as was the monitoring information collected from local councils. Guardian article.
More on "Public Accounts Committee warns of perilous state of council finances"
Announcement posted on: 07 June 2013
Leadership of empowered and healthy communities programme
TLAP, Skills for Care, NSA, ADASS and others are running a Leadership of Empowered and Healthy Communities programme for the second time. This leadership course comprises one day workshops, action learning sets, one-to-one leadership coaching sessions, and an analysis of personality style, aimed at developing a community-based approach to prevention and provision of care. The course takes place from July 2013 and March 2014. Places are limited. To register your interest and find out how to apply email leadership@nsasocialcare.co.uk The closing date is now Friday, 14 June 2013.
More on "Leadership of empowered and healthy communities programme"
Announcement posted on: 04 June 2013
DBS - Some old convictions filtered from today
Today, legislation has been passed to allow the filtering of old and minor convictions so that they will no longer appear on a DBS certificate. This follows a case brought to the Court of Appeal earlier this year which held that it was against people's Human Right to privacy to have all details of their criminal history disclosed on a DBS certificate.
Importantly for employers, these changes come into effect today and affect questions you're able to ask applicants.
You can find out more on the DBS website.
Announcement posted on: 29 May 2013
Individual Service Funds and Homecare
Today Colin Angel, UKHCA Policy Director, gave a presentation on Individual Service Funds, how they work and what the benefits can be for the individual, provider and commissioner. You can download the presentation here.
Announcement posted on: 28 May 2013
UKHCA costing model now free to all
Calculating the realistic price that you need to charge to make an acceptable margin? Or, the impact on your bottom line of a fixed price tender? To help answer these questions and build a comprehensive view of the costs involved in delivering high quality homecare, UKHCA has launched a web-based costing model for homecare providers. Developed by finance directors and tested for several months by UKHCA members, the costing model is now available to everyone interested in calculating the actual costs of care. It is easy to use but there are detailed instructions should you need assistance.
UKHCA Finance Director Peter Randall said: “The UKHCA web-based costing model is now free to everyone because we believe it’s essential to demonstrate the actual costs of providing homecare, when negotiating homecare contracts or pricing services.”
Announcement posted on: 20 May 2013
One year on from the launch of the Dementia Challenge
Today the Department of Health launched a report outlining the progress made on the Prime Minister's Dementia Challenge. On improving the quality of health and social care for people with dementia UKHCA is proud to be featured in the report outlining the work we're doing to support members who are providing vital support in the community (page 14 of the report).
The report also highlights some future priorities and as part of that, NHS England have published their first dementia diagnosis target which aims to see two thirds of people with dementia diagnosed and given appropriate support by 2015.
More on "One year on from the launch of the Dementia Challenge"
Announcement posted on: 15 May 2013
Government publishes Care Bill
The Government has today published the Care Bill, following the Queen's Speech, its White Paper and the draft Care and Support Bill. The Care Bill will reform adult social care in England and take forward the Government's initial response to the Francis enquiry. It is accompanied by a note: The Care Bill Explained which describes the changes made in response to the public consultation and the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Draft Care and Support Bill, chaired by Paul Burstow MP. There is also a series of factsheets describing aspects of the Bill. The second reading of the Bill is due on 21st May 2013.
More on "Government publishes Care Bill"
Announcement posted on: 10 May 2013
Queen's Speech contains Social Care Bill, as survey shows funding outlook is worsening
Today's Queen's Speech confirmed that a Care and Support Bill will reform adult social care, by placing a cap on self-funders' costs, increasing carers' rights and putting adult safeguarding on a statutory basis. Commentators expressed doubts about how effective the reforms will be, given the current pressure on the public purse. A substantial squeeze on services for older people and people with disabilities and on fees to providers, were revealed by the latest annual survey of social care budgets carried out by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. Despite a transfer of NHS resources, councils are planning to save another £800 million this year in addition to the £2.68 billion savings (20% of net spending) already made by adult social care. Community Care magazine quoted UKHCA's comment on the survey results, that "further cost-cutting either threatens access to sufficient care, or perpetuates a race to the bottom on price and quality".
More on "Queen's Speech contains Social Care Bill, as survey shows funding outlook is worsening"
Announcement posted on: 08 May 2013
CQC to oversee financial health of social care providers in England over threshold
The Care Quality Commission is to be given the task of overseeing the financial health of the larger social care providers. The Government says it anticipates that only a small number of providers (between 50 and 60 in social care) will be above the threshold. The new system will be included in forthcoming legislation which will enable CQC to take on this function from 2015, at the earliest. We understand there will be opportunities for providers to comment on the proposals. Department of Health’s response to its consultation on oversight in social care: DH consultation response.
Announcement posted on: 07 May 2013
May edition of Homecarer available for members
The May 2013 edition of Homecarer is now available for members to download.
In this issue: we discuss public scrutiny of providers and commissioners in England; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham wonders if green shoots of progress for social care are growing; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr welcomes a new era of transparency; Paul Worsnop of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains data protection issues for providers; Kathryn Bloomfield of the London Fire Brigade warns of fire risks in older people’s homes; Jenny Roberts discusses working with family carers in the care of service users with dementia; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at Directors and Officers insurance; Joyce Francis considers financial regulation, and training standards in England; Dominic Carter discusses whistleblowing in social care; We look at the Welsh response to paying for care reform, and on personalisation in Scotland; We report on our well-received Open Forum in Northern Ireland and our response to the “Who Cares?” consultation; Ailsa Blair describes funding we have available for training, following our successful Skills for Care bid; Plus we give members more information about our new Homecare Workers’ Handbook, coming soon...
Announcement posted on: 03 May 2013
UKHCA warmly welcomes the idea of a Chief Inspector who can challenge commissioning
UKHCA has been quoted in Community Care magazine, warmly welcoming the idea of a Chief Inspector who can challenge commissioning. This follows Care Service Minister Norman Lamb's comments on the reform of care regulation in England. “Currently, the regulator [the Care Quality Commission] is only able to assess part of the picture," said UKHCA Director of Policy and Campaigns Colin Angel. "Empowering a Chief Inspector to address commissioning will finally enable CQC to influence all the factors which ensure the best outcomes for people who use social care, including the link between adequate funding and quality.”
Announcement posted on: 01 May 2013
Space at free safeguarding events at Reading and Liverpool
The Department of Health say there is still availability at its free Safeguarding Adults conferences at Reading and Liverpool:
1 May 2013 Reading http://adultsafeguardingreading.eventbrite.com
8 May 2013 Liverpool http://adultsafeguardingliverpool.eventbrite.com
If you have any queries, please contact the eventsteammb@dh.gsi.gov.uk mailbox.
Announcement posted on: 26 April 2013
UKHCA Northern Ireland Open Forum Presentations
UKHCA held a successful Northern Ireland Open Forum on 17th April 2013 in Belfast. Thank you to speakers and delegates for their contributions.
The presentations are now available to download, by kind permission of the speakers.
Announcement posted on: 23 April 2013
Policy Director, Colin Angel highlights some of the challenges facing homecare providers
Speaking at today's Ageing Population conference UKHCA Policy Director, Colin Angel, highlighted a number of the challenges facing the homecare sector. In his presentation he highlighted the impact current commissioning practices are having on the sector as well as implications of the CQC report into homecare services and what, providers, councils and the Government should be working towards.
More on "Policy Director, Colin Angel highlights some of the challenges facing homecare providers"
Announcement posted on: 17 April 2013
Putting well-being at the heart of social services in Wales
The Welsh Government has published a “Well-being Statement” that sets out a range of factors that contribute to a person's well-being, which people in need of care and support can expect in their daily lives. The Statement is the first step towards producing a National Outcomes Framework. (This was a commitment within Sustainable Social Services, the Welsh Government’s 10-year plan to meet changing needs and expectations of service users, and the Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Bill. Video of Deputy Minister Gwenda Thomas speaking about the Statement.
Announcement posted on: 16 April 2013
New Leadership Strategy for Adult Social Care
Norman Lamb MP, Minister of State for Care and Support, has launched "Leadership Starts with Me", the Leadership Strategy for the Adult Social Care sector developed by the National Skills Academy for Social Care. Leadership Starts with Me is a practical approach to leadership, written in plain English. It explains why leadership in adult social care matters, what leaders can do to make social care excellent and how it can be made to happen. (Sign in required to access.)
More on "New Leadership Strategy for Adult Social Care"
Announcement posted on: 16 April 2013
Recommended rise in National Minimum Wage from October 2013
The Low Pay Commission have published their report into the National Minimum Wage and recommended a 12 pence increase to £6.31 for workers over 21 from October 2013.
They also recommend and increase in the rate for 18-21 year olds to £5.03 an hour and in the 16-17 Year Old Rate to £3.72 an hour. They recommend that the apprentice rate stay at £2.65. An increase has been recommended for the accomodation offset, to £4.91 a day.
Government accepted the recommendations except for the apprentice rate which will rise by 3p to £2.68 per hour.
More on "Recommended rise in National Minimum Wage from October 2013"
Announcement posted on: 15 April 2013
Do your dementia care services measure up to the new NICE dementia care standards?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new standards for dementia care in England, which include ten statements that describe high quality care for people with dementia. The NICE standards are in addition to CQC's Essential Standards, and focus on what is needed to help people live well with dementia. They apply to all social care settings and include ten statements that providers can use as a tool to check their own services. The new standards are designed to be read alongside the NICE dementia quality standard and help improve quality in practice and outcomes. They are accompanied by a document for commissioners: "Support for commissioning dementia care" and a commissioning tool, which encourage commissioners to invest care and support that can help prevent crises, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and reduce the avoidable use of residential care, to support people with dementia to live well at home for as long as possible.
More on "Do your dementia care services measure up to the new NICE dementia care standards?"
Announcement posted on: 03 April 2013
Budget 2013 announced
Chancellor George Osborne has today announced his budget to the House of Commons. A number of the proposals will be of benefit to low earners and employers. Proposals include:
- An increase in the personal tax allowance to £9,440 this April, rising to £10,000 in April 2014.
- Cancelling the fuel duty rise that was planned for September 2013.
- New employment allowance to cut National Insurance bills by £2,000 for every firm from April 2014.
He also announced that the Dilnot proposals will be bought in a year earlier than planned in 2016 with a funding cap of £72,000 and higher asset threshold od £118,000 for residential care.
The budget documents are available online.
You can view a summary on the BBC website.
More on "Budget 2013 announced"
Announcement posted on: 20 March 2013
Homecare reps welcome Joint Committee’s call for local authorities to take account of actual cost of care
The joint select committee on the Draft Care and Support Bill published their final report today.
The report highlights a number of concerns and recomendations for Government, including an end to contracting homecare by the minute and in short episodes of 15 minutes.
Bridget Warr, Chief Executive of UKHCA, said:
“Homecare providers in the independent and voluntary sector are under pressure as never before. Their desire to provide sensitive, safe and dignified care is, in many cases, threatened by the lack of resources available for those people for whom care is commissioned by Local Authorities. Fees to providers have been relentlessly driven down to a point which fails to recognise the real costs of delivering high quality care through well trained, consistent staff that are adequately paid."
You can access the Committee's report online, and view our full media release on our website.
Announcement posted on: 19 March 2013
CQC Care Update published
CQC have today published their second Care Update providing information on the number and standards of registered providers in the nine month period up to December 2012.
This update focuses on dementia and shows that people living in a care home and suffering from dementia are more likely to go to hospital with avoidable conditions such as urinary infections. Once there, they are more likely to stay longer, be readmitted or die than those without dementia.
More on "CQC Care Update published"
Announcement posted on: 12 March 2013
March 2013 Homecarer now available to members
The March 2013 edition of Homecarer is now available to members. In it we call for better commissioning as the financial outlook worsens for the public sector and UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says these are turbulent times for social care. UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr focuses on our activities representing the homecare sector; Jenny Roberts launches the UKHCA Dementia Strategy and Plan; Andrew Lancaster of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP explains new time limits that apply to procurement challenges; Nicole Gregson describes a move to outcome-based commissioning; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at working alone; Francis McGlone explains the “Living Wage”; we include news from around the UK, including our response to the Transforming your Care consultation in Northern Ireland; plus highlight our revised resource guide on infection control.
Announcement posted on: 01 March 2013
Hold the date – UKHCA Northern Ireland Event - 17 April 2013
We are planning to hold a UKHCA Northern Ireland Event at Stormont Hotel in Belfast on 17
April. The theme will be "Social Care in Northern Ireland today and into the future" and we
are delighted that Health Minister Edwin Poots MLA has agreed to speak.
- UKHCA Members: Free
- Preferential rate for IHCP members: £25 + VAT (£30.00 inc. VAT)
- Non-Members: £45.00 + VAT (£54.00 inc. VAT)
To book a place: please e-mail conferences@ukhca.co.uk
Announcement posted on: 25 February 2013
UKHCA representatives tour England at external events
UKHCA will be exhibiting at a range of events this spring and would be delighted to see members in their area. We will be at the Great British Care Shows in Newcastle, Cambridge and Bristol.
There are Great British Care Shows in all regions of England which are free for providers to attend. To register, visit the Great British Care Show website or see the flyer for more information.
Announcement posted on: 25 February 2013
UKHCA technical issues
We have experienced a number of technical difficulties and faults over the past few days that have been outside the control of the Association. This has resulted in severe communication failure with telephone, e-mail and web processing. These issues have now been resolved and we will be working to clear the backlog of all enquiries as quickly as possible.
All on-line disclosure applications and results are being processed as a matter of priority. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that this has caused.
Peter Randall
UKHCA Corporate Services Director
Announcement posted on: 23 February 2013
Care Show Bournemouth 19-20 March 2013
The Care Show takes place at the BIC Bournemouth on 19-20 March 2013.
Register NOW for free entry at http://www.careshow.co.uk/bournemouth
The Care Show brings the industry together, delivers the latest developments in the care sector and gives you the opportunity to meet and network with leading industry professionals.
Don't miss:
- NEW! Technology in Care seminar theatre
- Business in Care Theatre, including a whole day of FREE seminars offering marketing advice for care operators attracting self-funders
- Demonstrations of the latest products from over 170 leading suppliers
- Valuable new ideas to help with the success of your business
Visit www.careshow.co.uk/bournemouth for more information.
UKHCA is exhibiting at the Care Show (Solent Hall
Stand S198) and Policy Director Colin Angel will be speaking in the Keynote Theatre on 20 March at 10.30-11.15 am on "Demonstrating quality to your future customers".
Announcement posted on: 18 February 2013
CQC's homecare report highlights importance of high quality services
The Care Quality Commission’s themed inspection programme report, “Not just a number”, published today, was welcomed by the homecare providers’ professional body, United Kingdom Homecare Association. The report identifies the positive impact that high quality services have on the lives of older people in England who receive over five million hours of homecare each week, delivering care safely and with high levels of dignity and compassion. It also identifies areas that will enable care providers to make further improvements that build on existing levels of quality. UKHCA has issued a press release and Briefing for all homecare providers, which contains prompts to help providers plan and check their own response to the report's findings.
UKHCA Chairman Mike Padgham featured on BBC Radio 5 Live ‘Breakfast’, with the homecare section starting 2hrs 40mins into the show, and Mike speaking 3mins 40seconds later.
UKHCA Policy and Campaigns Director, Colin Angel, also featured on the BBC Radio 4 ‘Today’ show with Evan Davis from 2hrs, 36mins into the show, one of several media interviews given.
Congratulations to UKHCA members Care Concern (Homecare) Ltd of Chiswick, whose good practice featured on the BBC's website in its coverage of the CQC report "Not just a number", as an example of the positive effect of quality homecare.
Announcement posted on: 13 February 2013
A good start, but what about homecare?
UKHCA welcomes the Government’s announcement that the social care cap will be set at £75,000 and the means-tested threshold will rise to £123,000 in England. The Association says the cap will help people to plan for their future care needs and opens the way for insurance and pension companies to offer new long term care products. However, UKHCA is concerned about the scant detail on how the plans will apply to care provided in people’s own homes. UKHCA Press release.
Announcement posted on: 12 February 2013
Follow UKHCA’s Colin Angel on Twitter
UKHCA’s Policy Director, Colin Angel, is now on Twitter, the social media blogging website. His ‘tweets’ are short on-line messages and links to more information on issues affecting homecare providers and wider social care. Twitter users can follow Colin on @colintwangel
Announcement posted on: 04 February 2013
Personalising homecare with Individual Service Funds
An Individual Service Fund (ISF) offers individuals much greater control and choice about the services they receive. The provider organisation both manages the personal budget and provides support from their own service, or by purchasing other support on an individual's behalf.
A new paper, sponsored by UKHCA, from In Control and Helen Sanderson Associates, offers a guide to how ISFs can be introduced in homecare services, building on the experience of users, providers and commissioners.
UKHCA's Policy Director, Colin Angel, said: "ISFs are a positive move away from time and task commissioning, where a rigid list of care activities are specified to be performed at specific times of the day within a rigid timescale. Enabling the individual to design their service directly with their homecare provider can produce better outcomes while also offering potential cost-savings, compared to traditionally commissioned services."
"Individual Service Funds for Homecare" is available from http://www.in-control.org.uk/media/128547/inc14877%20-%20sf%20report%20single%20pages-web.pdf
Announcement posted on: 04 February 2013
Judge to rule on Human Rights and criminal record checks
Over the weekend the media covered a case looking at whether the reporting of old, minor convictions on criminal records checks was compatible with article 8 of the Human Rights Act, the right to family and private life.
The case involves a 21 year old who received police warnings at the age of 11. The warnings have been disclosed to an employer and a university. You can read more details of the case online.
It is important to note that the ruling has not been made yet and the Government will have 28 days to take action once the judgment is given. Until then employers should continue with their current checking procedures.
It is very important that care providers continue to apply for enhanced criminal records checks for all eligible roles and continue to make risk based assessment of all employment decisions based on the content of the check.
You can find more information on Disclosure and Barring checks online. DBS press release on the judgment.
More on "Judge to rule on Human Rights and criminal record checks"
Announcement posted on: 28 January 2013
CCTV and the law
Paul Worsnop of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers the legal implications of CCTV monitoring in a service user's home in our factsheet: "Closed circuit TV and the law", which also appeared in January 2013 edition of Homecarer magazine.
More on "CCTV and the law"
Announcement posted on: 28 January 2013
New Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships
The Department of Health have confirmed Jon Rouse as the new Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships. Mr Rouse is due to take up his position at the Department of Health in March leaving his current role of Chief Executive at Croydon council.
UKHCA wish Mr Rouse every success and look forward to working with him in the future.
More on "New Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships"
Announcement posted on: 25 January 2013
UKHCA speaks up for homecare on BBC Radio 4 "Outsourced" programme
UKHCA Policy Director Colin Angel gave an interview on the impact of government spending cuts on homecare to BBC Radio 4's 'Outsourced' programme, in which he was able to make valuable points on behalf of the homecare sector.
Colin emphasised that, from our analysis, outsourced homecare is half the price of local authority in-house services. But we are seeing a strong downward pressure on the price local authorities will pay for care, which may have a direct impact on the workforce, and the experience of people who use services. Providers are worried by shorter visits - we're seeing more than 3/4 of calls in England being commissioned at less than 30 minutes. Costs are being pushed as low as they can go, and many homecare providers would say they are being pushed too far. Ultimately it's a political question what value society, national and local government place on the care of vulnerable and disabled people.
The programme was broadcast on Monday 15th January and is available on BBC iPlayer: http://t.co/2d15UfR2 - the homecare section starts from 22 minutes, and Colin's quotes are at 22:23 and 26:22.
Announcement posted on: 15 January 2013
January 2013 Homecarer now available for members
The January 2013 edition of Homecarer is now available for members. In it we launch our new Costing Model to help our members cost tenders and manage their bottom line; UKHCA Chair Mike Padgham says we need radical new thinking in 2013; UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr raises the importance of homecare; Paul Worsnop of Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP considers the legal implications of CCTV monitoring; Alison Mlot of the Technology Strategy Board describes technologies to support independent living; Kim Grove discusses gardening for those with dementia; We include tips for providing care in wintry weather; Emma Kain-Barrett of Towergate Patrick looks at insurance for more complex care; Ann Barradell-Black of The Ankir Partnership discusses building confidence in the sector and we consider what makes the ideal care worker. Finally, we include our usual round-up of news from around the UK, details of upcoming workshops, and focus on our resource guides on end of life care and building a successful team.
More on "January 2013 Homecarer now available for members"
Announcement posted on: 11 January 2013
'Winter fuel payment could fund Dilnot'
Today’s report from the Centre Forum discusses a number of options for funding social care in England in the long term and recommends linking winter fuel payments with Pension Credit, reducing the number of recipients from over 12 million to around 3 million, saving £1.5 billion annually.
UKHCA Chief Executive Bridget Warr said:
“The funding of social care needs to be resolved quickly and for the long term. Dilnot’s proposals have shown the Government a good way forward on this and decisions need to be made fast if we are to avoid catastrophic reductions in social care availability for people who need care and support. This report is welcomed as a constructive step forward. We hope the continued debate encourages Government to take action, now 18 months since Dilnot published his proposals."
The Coalition's mid-term review, which took place on 7 January, says it supports Dilnot principles but stops short of proposals to set a lifetime contribution cap. The Prime Minister did say at the press launch that the cost of long term care would be capped, raising hopes that there will be a further announcement in the coming weeks.
More on "'Winter fuel payment could fund Dilnot'"
Announcement posted on: 03 January 2013