Department of Health (National): Care Funding Commission seeks fresh evidence and ideas

Issued on behalf of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support

Further evidence and fresh perspectives are needed to develop a fair, sustainable and resilient solution for the future funding of care and support. Chair of the Commission on Funding of Care and Support Andrew Dilnot said today as he launched a call for evidence.

The ‘Call for Evidence’ which is published on the Commission’s newly launched website outlines an analysis of the problems with the current system and the priorities for reform. The call seeks views on how the issue should be tackled and how new solutions could be implemented.

In recent years, there have been a number of different models of reform proposed by Government, a Royal Commission, thinktanks and academics. While sustained effort has focused on outlining the need for action to support an ageing population, the Commission wants to build on this and ensure that it has gathered all the evidence available.  In particular, it wants to understand issues like whether there are those in need of support who are not receiving it.

Most critically, the Commission is keen to hear views on how best to reform the funding system. As part of this, the Commission has identified four key priorities it thinks reform will need to address:

• Increased resources - public, private and voluntary – will need to be dedicated to care and support in future

• People should have the opportunity to be protected against the future costs of care and support

• People need to understand how the care and support system works and be encouraged to plan accordingly

• People need to be clear about the role of the wider system of public support (including the NHS and social security)

Andrew Dilnot said:

“Access to new ideas and perspectives is critical if we are to find a lasting solution to a sustainable and resilient care system – both in terms of funding and delivery.

“We are facing a demographic shift that means more of us are likely to need help with day-to-day task as we age, face disability or illness. The numbers over 65s are projected to grow by 50% over the next 20 years and those over 90 will nearly treble. This means demand for care and support will increase by around two thirds. The system needs to change to better meet these challenges.

“All options are currently under consideration and we are open to new suggestions. The ‘Call for Evidence’ is our attempt at harnessing the thinking that has gone on to date and encouraging those with expertise and interest in this area to share their evidence and views on reform. “

Notes to editors

1. The independent Commission, which was launched in July, is looking at the issue from a broad perspective and is seeking to build on previous work. The Commission is chaired by Andrew Dilnot, who is joined by Lord Norman Warner and Dame Jo Williams as Commissioners.
2. The Commission is housed by the Department of Health, but independent of government.
3. The Call for Evidence will close on 28 January 2011 and forms one part of wider engagement work. The Commission will also conduct a formal review of previous public research and plan to do further deliberative research with specific groups and members of the public early next year. The Commission will report back by July 2011.
4. For further information contact the Department of Health newsdesk on 020 7210 5221 and ask to be put through to the Commission’s press office.
5. A copy of the  Call for Evidence can be accessed at www.dilnotcommission.dh.gov.uk

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