Care costs – the need for consensus

Care costs have been a hot topic again this week – with the Prime Minister's speech on plans for a National Care Service, the introduction of a levy on inheritance tax, and the subsequent poster campaign by the Conservative Party criticising the Prime Minister's proposals all hitting the headlines.

Without doubt, meeting the costs of caring for an ageing population is one of the most complex and challenging issues of our time. It deserves to be considered thoroughly, thoughtfully and urgently, with a view to building consensus among the public, as much as across political parties. This is about meeting care costs in a way that is fair, sustainable, transparent and equitable, and about improving older people's quality of life whether they live in their own home or in a care home.

Our evidence has identified key criteria against which any proposals need to be assessed.

• Is it seen to be fairer than the current system? One solution is to equalise access to the resources people require.
• Is it simple for everyone to understand?
• Is it based on clear principles of equity, including equity across the generations? This would bring us in line with many other countries where social care arrangements are equal and universal (see Rethinking social care and support: What can England learn from other countries?).
• Does it take into account the wide range of complex issues involved, including the role of women in the social care system (especially as informal carers) and the diversity of the UK's ageing population?
• Is it affordable and sustainable – for current and future generations – given public finances?

The voices of service users also need to be central in shaping national debates and future directions. Next month we will publish a paper by Peter Beresford and Shaping Our Lives from their consultation with service users on care costs and funding options.

One of our recent reports asked how equity release might help older home-owners who are 'asset-rich' but 'cash-poor' enjoy better quality of life in their own homes for longer. Three local authorities are now piloting this with an equity release provider. This is promising and practical, and has potential to make a significant difference for some older home-owners. It is no 'silver bullet' to paying for care.