Social care system 'needs reform'

Urgent reform to the funding of the social care system is needed to meet the needs of an ageing population, health experts have said.

More public funds will have to be found to stop vulnerable older people from falling through the net and to support those who face high, unpredictable care costs.

A report from the Nuffield Trust said that without reform, spending on social care will have to rise from £14.6 billion in 2010/11 to £23 billion in 2025/26.

The health care think tank says much of that money can be found from the £140 billion of state funding already spent on older people. But if it cannot, higher taxation of more wealthy older people could be needed.

It suggested the shortfall could be plugged by restricting some of the universal benefits, such as the winter fuel allowance, and free TV licences and bus passes.

The Nuffield Trust said a £1.5 billion NHS under-spend could be used to protect and extend people's eligibility for care, and also support more preventative work. There should be a review of the balance of spending across health, social care and welfare payments, the report said.

The Government should shift some of the health budget towards social care, which together would create a larger pool of shared public money to pay for care services. A cap on the cost of lifetime care to individuals is also being considered, which would be between £35,000 and £50,000.

Anita Charlesworth, chief economist of the Nuffield Trust, said: "The social care system is looking increasingly unsustainable. There is growing support for the principle of sharing costs between individuals and the state. But it is clear that to meet the needs of an ageing population and tackle the perceived unfairness in the current system, both individuals and the Government will need to spend more on social care."

Gus Baldwin, head of public affairs at the charity Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Macmillan Cancer Support recognises the urgent need for reform of the funding system for social care. Too often patients are being let down at the end of life."

He added: "We want all patients who are on an end of life care register and in the final weeks of life to have access to free social care. The Government has the chance to make this happen and show their commitment to choice at the end of life in the forthcoming Social Care White Paper."