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David Ward MP <>
David Launches Bradford Social Care Study
August 9, 2012 1:46 PM
Bradford MP David Ward has launched a survey of social care in Bradford ahead of debates on proposals for far reaching reform of the social care system in England.
The MP has launched the study to find out about people's experiences of social care in Bradford and will be used to inform the debate on the Government's Draft Care and Support Bill.
Government plans announced in July would introduce a minimum legal entitlement to social care across the whole of the UK for the first time. In addition the plans would also see more rights to support for carers and the introduction of a deferred payments system to ensure than no one is forced to sell their home to pay for care.
However big questions about the future funding of social care remain unresolved, and although a commitment has been made to the principle of a cap the amount that any individual has to pay for care in their lifetime the details of this policy are still unknown.
Commenting David said:
"Social care is something that all of us will experience at some point in their lives, either through looking after a family member or being cared for ourselves. But care has not recieved the prominence it deserves in the national debate and many people aren't even aware that social care isn't free until they need it themsleves.
"The White Paper is an opportunity to change that. The Government are promising the biggest shake-up of social care for 60 years and I want to make sure that Bradford's concerns are at the front of Ministers' minds as they decide the future of the UK's social care system.
"This summer I will be surveying thousands of households across Bradford, talking to carers and people in care and consulting with the care industry. The results will be used to produce a report which will be presented to the Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow, at a summit in Bradford at the end of October.
"I urge everyone to fill out the survey they recieve, or on my website www.davidward.org.uk and help me to shape the future of social care in this country."
The White Paper and draft Care and Support Bill can be downloaded here:
http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/2012/07/care-and-support-reforms/
David Ward's Big Summer Survey including questions on social care can be accessed here: http://survey.libdems.org.uk/take/988