The First Step? A response to the Commission on Funding of Care and Support

August 4, 2011

A discussion paper exploring the ‘capped cost’ model, and what it means for local authorities and families.

After a year of deliberation, the Commission on Funding of Care and Support published its conclusions on July 4th, 2011.

The key strength of the Commission’s recommendations is that they are built around an indisputable truth: the private sector finds it extremely difficult to provide coverage to the population against the potential ‘catastrophic costs’ of needing long-term care; so, the state must step in and fill this resulting gap in protection.

In its final report, the Commission builds on this insight to put forward a new framework for the shape of state support in the English social care system: the ‘capped cost’ model.

With the government committed to producing a new social care White Paper no later than April 2012, “The First Step? A response to the Commission on Funding of Care and Support” explores:

  •  Why is it necessary for the state to provide protection against the catastrophic costs of long-term care?
  • What will the ‘capped cost’ model mean for how local authorities assess need and allocate resources?
  • Will the design of the ‘capped cost’ model see the greater use of financial products in the social care system?

Author: James Lloyd, Strategic Society Centre

Download the report: The First Step – A response to the Commission on Funding of Care and Support

Download the Executive Summary: The First Step – Executive Summary

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