Can the Dilnot Commission save the day?

As the social care industry starts to feel the real effects of the Government spending cuts, the Dilnot Commission this week revealed a potential plan for the future funding of social care. This is continuing to be a major issue due to the ageing population and ongoing reduction in Government spend within the industry.

The much anticipated Dilnot Review was published on Monday, suggesting a cap of £35,000 on the amount that any individual should contribute to their own elderly care. The Guardian (www.theguardian.co.uk) describes the finding in more detail.

“The commission set out a plan by which no one would have to pay more than 30% of their savings and assets towards meeting their needs. As well as the proposed cap, it suggested raising the limit on assets a person may hold while qualifying for state help from £23,250 to £100,000.”

Although the Government has described the findings as a good starting point, Andrew Lansley has announced there will be a further process of consultation before any decisions are made.

However, Community Care (www.communitycare.co.uk) reported that ASASS President, Peter Hay has warned that adult social care cuts will only get worse over the next three years and so the Dilnot Commission’s report needs to be actioned sooner rather than later. “We have heard the government’s timetable for consulting on the commission’s report, and the conditions any response need to meet. But we must also bear in mind that, while delay is understandable, uncertainty about the future will have inevitable and unfortunate consequences.”

This is some progress at least but it seems we will have to wait further to see the course of action.

Advertisement