Social Care: Sustainable Funding

Lord Sutherland of Houndwood Excerpts

Tuesday 17th July 2012 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, we look forward to a continuation of the constructive cross-party talks that have taken place. We have been clear that we accept the principles of the Dilnot recommendations, including financial protection through capped costs and an extended means test. They are the right basis for any new funding model. That sets out, if you like, our high-level view on what a new funding system should look like, but there will be many questions to answer—such as on the level of the cap and whether the funding system should be voluntary, universal or opt-in—before we can make any firm decisions. It is right that we take time to work through this, including engaging with stakeholders to make sure that any reform is the right one. That means that the next spending review is the appropriate time to take those decisions.

[Lord Sutherland of Houndwood]

My Lords—

[Baroness Campbell of Surbiton]

My Lords—