In the Conservatives’ 2015 manifesto, there was a plan to reform the care system for the over-65s and introduce a cap on costs. Despite the Tories’ working majority, there has been little action on the issue and the proposals have been put on hold. Meanwhile the care system has come under increased pressure as a result of an ageing population, with the Local Government Association predicting social care faces a funding gap of at least £2.6 billion by 2020.
In last month’s Autumn Statement, social care was notably absent. Philip Hammond’s plans to address the problem were blocked by No. 10 over concerns an announcement on extra funding would jar with Theresa May’s pledge to help the ‘just about managing’ families. Today the issue was pushed to the forefront with The Times reporting that May is planning to drop her opposition and back rises to council tax bills in an effort to address the ‘absolute crisis’.
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