Pattaya Daily News

Published : February 18, 2010 :: 14:02:17 [ 360 views ]

Auditors predict rise in care costs: Labour want to introduce free care for people with highest need.

England 18th February 2010 [PDN] Audit Commission states that the 9 billion a year social care bill will double by the year 2026 if current practices are not reviewed. Ministers are presently considering a revamp of the funding system for social care as Councils are warned of a struggle with finances posed by England’s ageing population.

The Commission said councils need to look at new ways to provide services particularly embracing new technology and highlighted examples used by Telecare to provide electronic links between services and people living in their own homes.

Watchdog raised its concerns about the variations of costs as some areas the services cost three times more than the others.

Audit Commission chairman stated there would be huge financial pressures on councils in the near future, but restructuring services can make services more effective and efficient. The Chief Executive of Councils Care charity Stephen Burke added the variation between local authorities is unacceptable.

Campaigners and political parties agree the current system of means testing is unfair as more people are being excluded from services by greater restrictions imposed by local authorities.

Labour has proposed introducing free care so people with the highest needs can stay at home and also a compulsory levy on people’s estates which Conservatives have dubbed a “Death Tax’

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Type : World News
Story : PDN staff
Photo : Internet

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