Andy Burnham blasts ‘shameful and unsuitable’ guidelines as he points National Care Service replace
The Prime Minister says the change will ‘bring back hope to Britain’
Andy Burnham has issued an update(Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham has labelled rules surrounding the current social care system as “shameful and wrong”. The Prime Minister has levelled criticism at current regulations which seem people having their “home, pension and savings” eaten up by care bills.
And he says unless changes are made the problem will “break” the NHS. The politician was sharing his views on social media as he issued an update on his previously announced plans for changes to the State Pension triple lock and how care for older people will be paid for.
He says: “I think it is shameful and wrong that millions of older people are seeing everything they have worked for – their home, pension and savings – wiped out by care bills. If we carry on as we are, our broken social care system will break our NHS too.”
He adds: “Every day, older people who should be receiving support at home or in care settings are unnecessarily admitted to A&E. Meanwhile, hospital beds are occupied by people who are fit to leave but have nowhere to go because the care they need is not in place.
“We cannot go on like this. It is time for fundamental change. That’s why I want to build a National Care Service.
“This will be based on NHS principles: everyone contributes and everyone is covered. It will give people peace of mind about their care needs and protect what they have built up over their lifetime.”
Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Andy Burnham said if his party win the next election, due in 2029, it will alter how increases are decided. Announcing details of the plan, which would come into effect in 2030, he said the State Pension will no longer rise by whichever is highest of 2.5%, average earnings or inflation, but instead, will increase by the highest of inflation and 2.5%.
He said then savings from the changes will go towards creating a National Care Service. This will be aimed at tackling the cost families pay for care while also reducing pressures on the NHS.
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In his Facebook post this week he confirmed the new service will be paid for by adjusting the triple lock. He added: “We will still guarantee that the state pension rises every year by at least inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher.
“It will also increase by more than this when necessary to ensure that it holds its value relative to average earnings. This means that if inflation spikes, pensioners will be protected.
“If wages rise, pensioners will share in that rising prosperity, with the state pension tracking earnings over time. Nobody’s pension will ever go down. This is a better deal for older people.
“A state pension that rises every year. No care charges. And a high-quality National Care Service to give peace of mind in later life. That is how we bring back hope to Britain.”
His post attracted more than 23,000 likes and 10,800 comments with many agreeing with his propsals. Some had suggestions to help with the transition. Clare said: “Basically a good idea, but to ease the burden on pensioners now raise the tax threshold to £15,000 as let’s face it most are working extra to cover the cost of living which in turn reduces part time work for 16 -18 year old.”
And Ray added: “Great! What about raising tax thresholds to put more money in people’s pockets?” Geraldine said: “How about stopping child benefit for high earning households. It’s not right that one parent earning £60k doesn’t get it but a household with two parents earning £59,999 each do.”
Jill also wanted something different. she suggested: “Just lower the retirement age to 60 or less. Opens up job opportunities for the younger generation. Also gives a huge relief to the NHS/Social Services /childcare/care for elderly relatives. Seems obvious to me.
“Your parent needs to get to or needs support to make an appointment, needs her bed changed. Your kids /grandchildren need you. Can’t do it because you are working! Family support is essential l.
“I want to attend to my elderly parents every need and educate/love/have fun with my grandchildren. Or I can sit at a computer, not understanding the fast pace of technology and block a job that a younger person would embrace. And also juggling time/commitments etc. Andy Burnham think differently, I believe you can do this.”
