Care Act 2014 – five year delay in implementing key provisions
Barely three months after its implementation on 1st April 2015 some of the key provisions of the Care Act 2014 have been “put on hold” by the Government for at least five years.
In my article of 23rd February 2015 I highlighted the concerns of the Local Government Association about the cost of implementing the reforms launched by the Care Act. These concerns have now been exacerbated by the Chancellor’s declaration that the National Minimum Wage would rise to £9.00 an hour by 2020. Responding to a letter from the Local Government Association expressing their concerns about this issue, the Care Minister, Alistair Burt, said that the Department had listened to these concerns and would now delay the “timetable for delivery”. This means that the current system will continue. Those persons having assets above £23,250 do not get any help from Councils towards their nursing costs and invariably have to sell assets such as their home to fund their care. In fact, the £23,250 figure was to have risen to £118,000 under the changes. The costs of care for the over 65’s were also to have been limited to £72,000.
This action by the Department of Health will increase uncertainty and anxiety for those either requiring or shortly contemplating nursing care. This completely undermines one of the fundamental provisions of the Care Act 2014.
For further information please contact Neil Cook on 01202 525333 or neil.cook@ellisjones.co.uk.
How can we help?
When you submit this form an email will be sent to the relevant department who will contact you within 48 hours. If you require urgent advice please call 01202 525333.
