Title

The Government has proved once again that when it comes to the issue of funding care for older people, pleasing everyone will be a tough task. Creating a sustainable National Care Service is the way forward, and the Government's Green Paper on social care reform, Shaping the future of care together, should be broadly welcomed. Here in Surrey, we face a projected 69% increase in the numbers of people aged over 75 between 2006 and 2031. On the surface, the insurance options – voluntary and compulsory – look attractive, but both have drawbacks. The optional scheme will mean that some people don't bother, and when push comes to shove, we know that the state in either local or national form will pick up the tab if an older person is unable to fund their own care. Equally, the compulsory scheme will be seen as intrusive and symbolic of the nanny state, and only people who can afford it – however that is defined – will have to pay anyway. So, we are back to the same arguments about those with means paying while those without don't. The same dilemmas exist when looking at the balance between local authority and government funding. If the state share is to be funded at a national level, there will be huge disruption to the system and cries that it is unresponsive to local circumstances. Equally, if there is some local discretion, there will be complaints that the system continues to be something of a postcode lottery, because people would receive the same proportion but different amounts of funding in different areas. One thing is certain, and that is that something must be done. Unfortunately, it seems that is not likely to happen any time soon. Phil Walker is director of finance at Surrey CC

Title

BUSINESS

Money Matters

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING