LABOUR BROKE PROMISE OVER SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

LABOUR BROKE PROMISE OVER SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

May 1, 2008 2:39 PM

Only Liberal Democrat proposals for a personal care payment would ensure a fair deal for all elderly people who needed personal care and would put an end to the criminal injustice of the poverty in old age that is experienced by so many.

The Liberal Democrats have highlighted evidence that the Government has reneged on its promise to consult on increasing the Personal Expenses Allowance (PEA) for more than 250,000 care home residents.

Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg, alongside a number of his Front Bench colleagues, has signed a motion against the regulations introducing the insufficient increase.

Commenting, Saffron Walden Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson Peter Wilcock said:

"The Government has acted shamefully in promising a review of Personal Expense Allowances (PEA) and then not delivering it.

"Many older people are already forced to sell their homes to pay for care home places, leaving them with little left over for everyday living. With the spiralling costs of basic groceries, they will have very little money for other things that are vital to an independent life.

"This Government has presided over a collapse of services for the elderly. Ministers have responded to the chronic warnings of a looming crisis with criminal under-funding.

"We must have an immediate review of the level of PEA, taking into account the real and rising cost of living.

"Only Liberal Democrat proposals for a personal care payment would ensure a fair deal for all elderly people who needed personal care and would put an end to the criminal injustice of the poverty in old age that is experienced by so many."