Dan Peters 15 January 2014

Government refuses to lower social care eligibility criteria

The Government has refused to lower the proposed social care eligibility criteria to 'moderate'.

Speaking in a House of Commons public bill committee yesterday, care and support minister Norman Lamb said it would cost £2.7bn.

Some MPs had argued for the eligibility threshold to be reduced in the Care Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament.

Labour MP for Easington, Grahame Morris, said: ‘I regret that, in my opinion, if we set the eligibility threshold at substantial rather than moderate I do not think we are addressing the care crisis.

‘It is older and disabled people with moderate care needs whose needs are going to escalate and who are going to rely more on emergency care if they are shut out of the social care system because the threshold is set too high.

‘There will be a problem if the cap means that only the people with the most substantial needs are eligible.

‘Those people will not go into care, but will get worse in their own homes and will present at A&E.

‘It is a false economy because it will create a great demand on resources.’

Labour MP for South Shields, Emma Lewell-Buck added: ‘I am realistic and I understand that money is scarce, but setting a high eligibility threshold that denies people care is not a long-term solution.

‘The condition of people with moderate needs often deteriorates if they are left unsupported.

‘When they then hit a crisis, the point of acute care is a far greater burden on the taxpayer.’

Since 2010, £1.8bn has been cut from social care budgets and there has been a 60% reduction in the number of councils providing care for people with moderate needs.

But Mr Lamb said: ‘I would characterise the opposition’s contributions as being strong on the wringing of hands but not that strong on any solution.

‘I am sure that we would all, ideally, like the minimum threshold to be set at a lower level.

‘The bottom line is that whatever the Government puts forward has to be affordable.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

SEND Strategy Lead - Cognition and Learning

Essex County Council
£57478.0000 - £67621.0000 per annum
SEND Strategy Lead - Cognition and LearningFixed Term, Part Time£57,478 to £67,621 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Corporate Director, Children and Young People (DCS)

Herefordshire Council
£142,952 (pay award pending)
We are now seeking our next permanent Corporate Director of Children and Young People to drive forward the services and deliver lasting impact. Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council

Service Director All Age Commissioning

Herefordshire Council
£92,505 - £97,453
It’s vital that our residents can realise their potential, be healthy and to be part of great communities that support each other. Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council

Housing Surveyor

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and forward-thinking team player Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Head of Service (Asset Management and Building Safety)

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£60,537 to £70,791 (Grade 18 £60,537 to £62,551)
At Kirklees, we’re not just offering a job — we’re offering a career with purpose. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner