Tory rules could see nine out of 10 homes sold to pay for care costs, claim Liberal Democrats
'I don't think that the Conservatives are unaware of the impact of their plans but they chose to ignore the human cost,' Tim Farron says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tory plans to shake-up funding for social care could see nine out of 10 English homes eligible to be put on the market to cover treatment costs, the Liberal Democrats have said.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has called for a national cross party campaign to combat the so-called Conservative "dementia tax".
The Tory manifesto commits the party to get people to pay for their own care if they have combined savings and property valued at more than £100,000.
If they wish to keep their home, payment can be deferred until after they die when it will be deducted from their estate.
Lib Dem research shows that, overall, 90% of homes in England would be liable to be sold under such conditions, and in the poorest 10% of local authority areas it would be 50%.
The party said that only one of the 356 dwellings sold in Prime Minister Theresa May's local authority area this year would be exempt from such an initiative.
In an open letter to health and older people's charities, Mr Farron claimed such a change of policy would have a damaging impact.
He said: "The measure of a Government is how they treat the most vulnerable in our society. I don't think that the Conservatives are unaware of the impact of their plans but they chose to ignore the human cost.
"Every elderly person that needs care should receive it in the best place for them and not be fearful of those mounting, limitless costs.
"I am determined that we ensure that Theresa May drops the so-called 'dementia tax' and implements a cap on the cost of care.
"Caring for our elderly must be above party politics and that is why I want to urge anyone who opposes the Conservatives' plans to come together to stop it.
"We must resist this plan and challenge would-be Conservative MPs to reject and stop it.
"As a first step, I am urging people to sign up at dementiatax.org.uk to help. I hope you will urge the supporters of your organisation to do the same.
"Together we can stop the so-called 'dementia tax'."
The Conservatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
Press Association
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments