News Story

MP’s debate eligibility amendment to Care Bill

January 14, 2014

Today MPs debate the Government’s Care Reforms.

Former Care Minister Paul Burstow is fronting a cross-party bid to make sure more older and disabled people get local care.

Six MPs have now put their name to the eligibility amendment – making it the most backed, most cross-party amendment of the Care Bill.

Here’s the link to the amendment. It’s clause 13 on page 3.

It’s supported by the Care and Support Alliance, whose new analysis shows that community care is being squeezed. The Alliance links the findings to the pressure on A&E and calls for greater investment in social care.

Paul Burstow said: “Social care is the vital support that older and disabled people need to live independently and with dignity. The Care Bill is a landmark piece of legislation which has the potential to revolutionise a care system which is all too often failing to support some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“The new national eligibility threshold will end the postcode lottery for care, however there is a danger that if this threshold is set too high, hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people will be denied the support they need to live fulfilling lives in their community.

“My amendment, urging the Government to invest in a threshold which supports individuals with lower level needs, will ensure they get the help they need to maintain independence.”