Commission on the Funding of Care and Support

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Written Statements

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley)]

I have today placed in the Library the terms of reference for the Commission on the Funding of Care and Support. Copies are available to hon. Members in the Vote Office.

I am also pleased to announce to the House that Andrew Dilnot will be chairing the commission. There will be two additional Commissioners, Dame Jo Williams and Lord Norman Warner. The commission will also draw on the expertise of two expert independent panels, one comprising academics and the other experts drawn from the financial services industry.

Urgent reform of the social care system is needed and the Government have made clear their commitment and determination to reach a fair and enduring settlement for the system for generations to come. We want a sustainable adult social care system that gives people the support and freedom to lead the life they choose, with dignity.

This announcement follows on from the commitment set out in the coalition agreement to—

“establish a commission on long-term care, to report within a year. The commission will consider a range of ideas, including both a voluntary insurance scheme to protect the assets of those who go into residential care, and a partnership scheme as proposed by Derek Wanless”.

It is my intention to publish a White Paper next year, which will bring together the conclusions of the commission, with the work being led by the Law Commission on creating a single modern statute for social care, and the Government’s vision for social care. This will be followed with legislation to establish a sustainable legal and financial framework for adult social care in this Parliament.