Thank you for contacting me about social care reform. I know so many of us have faced tough challenges and difficult decisions when it comes to the care of our friends and loved ones. I recognise that the social care system could be working better both for those who use it and for those caring for others. When I was Shadow Health Secretary, I set out a scheme by which we can avoid raising taxes or National Insurance. This scheme would have provided the opportunity for those at retirement age to buy insurance for long term care which would be paid for after their death through their estate. This would have enabled people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and still be able to pass something on to the next generation.
Unfortunately, this was not an option that the Government was willing to consider at this time, but I still hope that it will be possible to move to such a system which would offer some protection to those with assets. It has been clear for a long time that the pandemic would have a big impact on NHS waiting lists and the care system. That is why the Government is committed to taking the difficult decisions and tackling these problems head on, creating a sustainable adult care system that is fit for the future. I enclose below a briefing paper which sets out the details.
