Steve McCabe MP met with the older people’s charity Independent Age and members of the public to discuss the social care crisis and learn about the ground-breaking evidence from Independent Age on the benefits of introducing free personal care in England.
Average care costs in the West Midlands region are £582 a week, and there are 15,143 people over 65 in Steve’s constituency of Birmingham, Selly Oak. Currently care costs are causing deep concerns for many families, some being forced to sell their home to pay for care.
Independent age is calling for free personal care, which is already available in Scotland. A recent YouGov poll found that 74% of adults in England aged 18-64 want free personal care for all older people, and 69% would be willing to contribute more to fund it.
Steve Said:
“I was pleased to discuss the current social care system and ideas on how it can be improved. Independent Age are campaigning for free personal care which could benefit my constituents and older people across the UK to ensure that vulnerable adults don’t have to worry about the financial costs of their care in the future. This policy must be considered as part of the government’s consultation on adult social care.”
George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“Many older people in Birmingham, Selly Oak are worried about how to fund their future care. Our social care system needs urgent reform. Having a local champion in Parliament will help to ensure that this important issue is high on the political agenda.”
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