Social Care Leaders urge MPs to consider fairness in charging reform

Cathie Williams, Chief Executive of ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services) wrote to MPs on Friday to urge them to consider fairness for people with modest needs in relation to proposed amendments to the Care Act 2014 provisions which cap people’s liability for care costs.

Cathie Williams said:

“How we pay for social care is a key issue for us as a society. We welcome that the government is discussing how to address this. However, what we pay in taxes, the new levy and what we pay when we need care and support ourselves, must be fair and equitable for older people, working-age disabled people, carers, and for all parts of the country.

“Any proposals must address the issue of catastrophic care costs and a cap on lifetime care costs is a welcome part of a reform package for some people. However, it must also be fair to those of us without assets, or with modest assets.

“Proposals must work for parts of the country with lower house prices and ensure that some younger disabled people with modest assets do not find themselves paying for care for years before they get financial help. There must also be the funding to address levels of unmet and undermet need and pay care staff a fair salary.