New crisis talks on care service for the elderly

Published: 8:00AM GMT 20 Feb 2010

Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, said elderly care was "bigger than party politics". Photo: PA

Age Concern will convene the new discussions, with all sides agreeing that a national body must be introduced to cope with the growing problem of funding care for older people in an ageing population.

The Conservatives, who refused to take part in an initial summit, will now come to the table.

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While it has been agreed that a National Care Service along the lines of the NHS is needed, the parties are divided on how it will be paid for.

Labour said to be planning a "death tax" and the Tories preferring a voluntary insurance scheme.

Charities who took part in the summit described the talks as constructive, while Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, said that the issue of care for the elderly was "bigger than party politics".

"This is one of the most important debates facing the country. What I wanted to achieve more than anything today was to bring to the fore the voices of care organisations and deliverers and for carers to have their say," said Mr Burnham.

"What people may not realise is that, for all the sound and fury of recent days, there is a good degree more consensus across political parties and the care world than people may realise.

"We now need to build on the points of agreement, and the recognition that leaving things as they are is not an option, to bring forward firm proposals for change."

Andrew Lansley, Shadow Health Secretary said: "We have been clear about our choices. We will create a partnership between the state and families; we will give people the option of a voluntary insurance scheme to protect their homes; we will retain cash disability benefits and we will boost preventive support to help elderly people maintain their independence.

"But what are the Labour Party proposing? They talk about a National Care Service but wont say how its to be funded.

"So I challenge Gordon Brown to be straight with voters, is he in favour of a death tax or not?"