Government's reluctance to address social care funding is a "bitter blow", says Anchor

Care home provider, Anchor, has called the Government’s reluctance to act a “bitter blow”, after it revealed it will back a cap on people’s lifetime care costs but will not say how much or when.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Saturday, health secretary Andrew Lansley said: “We have said that we support the principles of the Dilnot commission and we do wish to take those forward. But we need to establish consensus not just that the principles are right but on how we pay for it.”

The long-anticipated Care and Support White Paper, which is due out tomorrow, will make it a requirement for every council in England to offer basic help to elderly and disabled adults to put an end to what has been called the “postcode lottery” in services.

The system would be up and running from 2015 and would stipulate a minimum threshold at which people would be able to get state help.

Under the White Paper proposals, local authorities would have to provide care and support to people as soon as they move into the area, rather than being forced to wait for a new assessment.

Jane Ashcroft, chief executive of Anchor, said: “News that the long-awaited social care White Paper will address issues including the ‘postcode lottery’ is a welcome step in the right direction. However, reports that months of talks have resulted in little more than a commitment ‘in principle’ to a cap on individual spending will come as a bitter blow.

"Every day that passes, without Government detailing a plan of action, sees people losing a lifetime of savings. Despite election promises to prioritise social care, less than a quarter of older people are confident that good-quality care will be made available to them when they need it.

“Now the Government must act urgently, before it’s too late for those already in need. By delivering a solution strong enough to transform the social care system today, we can avoid the crisis looming over generations to come.”

Anchor carried out research which found:

• 50 per cent of those aged over 55 say the care system is now in crisis due to the failings of the Coalition Government

• Just 14 per cent of older people were confident the Government would find a solution to the social care crisis

• Only 6 per cent of those aged over 55 believe the quality of social care has improved under the Coalition

• 66 per cent of older people believe MPs ignore older people’s issues

• 67 per cent of those aged over 55 believe the Coalition Government has not paid enough attention to social care

• Just 23 per cent of older people are confident good quality care will be made available to them when they need it