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Should England have a universal social care system?
Labour has announced plans to introduce a complusory levy in order to fund the introduction of a universal social care system, a plan slammed by the Tories dubbing it a 'death tax' in what is likely to become a hotly contested topic in the run up to this years election.
The change to the current system which is means tested would result in everybody becoming entitled to a residential care place or home help, and is seen by Labour as a means to combat the impact of an ageing population.
In consultation with the sector it was determined that a national compulsory charge was the best means to develop and sustain the system in what is hoped will avert situations of vulnerable people being left without assistance or relying on friends or family for support.
Health Secretary Andy Burnham was reported by the BBC as stating that an independent group of experts would be appointed to look at how such a levy could be applied including allowing people to defer their pensions, paying it up front or taking it from their estate after death. It was this last point that led to the labelling by the Tories that Labour wanted to introduce a 'death tax'.
What are your opinions on whether a levy should be introduced and how support for the elderly might be improved?
