Last week, Jeff Smith MP attended a drop-in event in Parliament to discuss the social care crisis with members of public, and learn about the ground-breaking evidence from the older people’s charity Independent Age on the benefits of introducing free personal care in England.

Free personal care is already available in Scotland, and evidence suggests that introducing free personal care in England would be extremely popular. A recent YouGov poll found that 74% of adults in England aged 18-64 want free personal care for all older people, and 69% would be willing to contribute more to fund it.

Jeff Smith MP said:

“I was delighted to have the opportunity to discuss the social care system with older people and hear their stories, and ideas on how it can be improved.

“I was also impressed by the evidence presented by Independent Age on the economic and personal benefits of introducing free personal care. Average care costs in the North West region are £523 a week, and there are 10,384 people over 65 in Manchester Withington.

“Independent Age has made a powerful case on how free personal care could benefit my constituents, and ensure that some of the most vulnerable people don’t have to worry about the financial costs of their care in the future. This policy must be considered as part of the government’s consultation on adult social care.”

George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:

“Many older people in Manchester are worried about how to fund their future care. Our social care system needs urgent reform.

Having a local champion in Parliament will help to ensure that this important issue is high on the political agenda.”