Tory benefits announcement welcomed
19/11/2009
Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy at Age Concern and Help the Aged has given his response to the Conservative's plans to retain vital benefits for older people.
Mr. Harrop said: “We welcome the Conservative’s announcement today that they would not remove Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance in the future.
“These benefits can improve older people’s quality of life and provide extra help which may prevent, or delay the need for more formal care. We know that older people use these benefits to help them cope with all the additional costs that come with disability such as higher food and heating bills, not just to pay for care services.
“Attendance Allowance is especially important for older people as it provides a flexible, non-means-tested, national entitlement which promotes independence in later life. For a disabled person, it can also provide a passport to additional support through other means-tested benefits.
“Recent weeks have seen a flurry of announcements from the parties about different aspects of the care system but fundamental reform of the entire care and support system is still urgently needed. We now call on all the political parties to set out definitive plans for reforming the system ahead of the next General Election so that older people, their families and carers can judge whether their proposals will deliver the high quality care older people desperately need.”