The Care Minister, Helen Whatley MP, was called on to make a statement to the House of Commons on the progress being made with reforming the social care system in England. 

High Peak MP Robert Largan used this opportunity to make the case for reform on a cross-party basis, asking:

“Fixing our social care system is the biggest long-term challenge facing the country. However, for all the scale and complexity of the issue, fundamentally it comes down to money. We must find a way to fund our social care system fairly and sustainably. Will the Minister assure the House that she will work on a cross-party basis to bring forward reforms as soon as possible so that we can prevent the appalling situation in which people are forced to sell their home to pay for care?”

The Care Minister reassured Robert:

“I can absolutely assure my hon. Friend on that point. One of the things we are committed to addressing is the situation where people may have worked all their lives to purchase and own a home and pay off a mortgage but then find themselves faced with a care bill of a size that uses up the value of their home when, perfectly reasonably, they want to be able to pass something on to their family.”

In the Queen’s Speech last May, the Government announced that it will bring forward proposals for social care reform later this year.

Robert Largan MP commented:

“There are no easy answers in politics. It is the responsibility of politicians of all parties to work together and tackle the challenges of the day. 

“Social care reform is certainly one of the biggest issues facing Parliament. Ministers need to engage with the whole House so we can find a sustainable solution.

“Everyone deserves dignity and security in their old age, and I am determined to keep the pressure on ministers to ensure their proposals work for local people.”