News
Ability Chief Executive welcomes the Dilnot Report
July 6, 2011
Andrew Dilnot, a leading UK economist has finally presented his report into the future funding of social care and it contains some radical proposals. Ability CEO, David Williams, has welcomed the Dilnot Commission report. The question is, how will the Government respond?
Although the news reports have focussed very much on older people and their assets, Dilnot has stressed that this is an issue facing and affecting disabled people of working age too.
Amongst other things, Dilnot recommends that those who enter adulthood with a care and support need should be eligible for free state support immediately rather than being subjected to a means-test. His proposals, if adopted, are estimated to cost the Government an extra £1.7 billion a year starting from 2013.
Commenting on the Dilnot report, David Williams said “I welcome the report and particularly the proposal for free state support for those who enter adulthood with a social care need. The social care system is on the brink of collapse. The overwhelming cost of providing social care to the growing number of older people is leading local authorities to ration care for all eligible users, including those who are not old. Most older people have had a working life to prepare and save for their care and support later in life, whilst those born with or acquiring a care need in childhood never have that opportunity. It cannot be fair to ration essential care for those who will never have the opportunity to make financial provision for their own care. Dilnot has got this right”.
Paul Burstow, the Minister for Care, has given an undertaking to consult, listen and produce a white paper by early next year.
David Williams said “Dilnot’s position is clear – this is the test of a civilised society; we are a wealthy nation and as a nation we can afford to do this if we choose to. As an economist he should know. He says the Government should adopt his recommendations by 2013 and pay for them by making savings elsewhere or by raising taxes. I agree.”