03/01/2013

Report Recommends Means Testing For Winter Fuel Benefit

A former minister has recommended means testing of winter fuel payments, to help pay for care of the elderly.

Targeting the allowance would help pay for a fairer social care system, according to a report by Lib Dem MP Paul Burstow and the Centre Forum think-tank.

The report said it could fund most of the £1.7bn cost of implementing reforms of elderly care in England proposed by the independent Dilnot Commission.

The Dilnot Commission, which was set up by the government, recommended that the cap on the amount individuals have to pay towards their social care be set at £35,000 over a lifetime.

The commission argued that such a move would protect people from catastrophic care costs that result in them having to sell their homes.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said a funding model was yet to be decided.

(H/GK)


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