LOSS OF HOME CARE CAPACITY

Early day motion 998, tabled 2 April 2003 by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes that the number of households receiving home care has fallen from 491,100 in 1996 to 366,800 in 2002, a 25 per cent. drop in six years; is deeply concerned that 124,300 fewer households are now receiving home care; believes that this fall is a direct result of social services departments tightening their eligibility criteria in an attempt to ration limited budgets; further believes that the reduction in low level home help and care services is increasing long-term care costs and reducing the quality of life for thousands of older people across the country; and calls upon Ministers to commission an independent inquiry, along similar lines to the Wanless Inquiry, to determine the real level of investment required to meet the need for social care services.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 16, Labour 9, Plaid Cymru 1.