Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Swire Excerpts

Tuesday 28th February 2017 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

No.

[Sir Hugo Swire (East Devon) (Con)]

There is, however, an emerging consensus that we need to better integrate our social care and health system. We already have the better care fund and the Chancellor’s prudent management of the economy, but if he has any wriggle room in the forthcoming Budget may I ask him whether we can have some transitional relief for social care until we can work out the best model?

[Jane Ellison]

The Government have been very clear on a number of occasions that we recognise the pressures in the system and additional money has been made available through the social care precept. We are well aware of the pressures in the system and, as my right hon. Friend says, the long-term need for more integration—the Chief Secretary has already referred to the better care fund—but his point is well made.