Local Lib Dems Support Plans to Fix Social Care

Ealing's Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Health and Social Services backed moves by Ed Davey to begin cross-party talks on Fixing Social Care.

There have been 22 failed attempts at reforming social care since 1997.

Liberal Democrats have been pushing for cross-party talks on care for years, because it is the only way to build a solution that actually works.

Carers must be at the heart of any proposals, and everyone should be able to get care regardless of means, and no one should lose their home or life savings on catastrophic care costs.

Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Steed, Adult Services Spokesperson, commented, "Various governments have attempted reform in the past but have backed off, fearful of the political implications. It will not be easy, but we need to persevere and agree to disagree on some points. However, we can not go on as we currently are. We need to get a better deal for carers, for people who need care and for all the families affected by the social care crisis.

Social Care costs currently form a huge proportion of Council Tax in all local authorities. The costs are ever rising. Other services suffer, but at the same time, despite the best efforts, social care provision is unsatisfactory.

Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for reform, and we welcome the opportunity to help shape change."