Funding social care is a collective responsibility | Letters

Roger Steer, Janet Dubé, and Sally Byers all agree that social care funding should be handled collectively, much like the NHS. They argue that framing the issue as an individual choice invites the response, "Not me if I can avoid it," when in reality, it is a collective responsibility. The issue of funding should not be intertwined with the provision of services, as this distorts the level of care and delays progress in determining who determines the need for care.

Instead, social care should be funded through general taxation, similar to pensions and social security, ensuring it is a right, free at the point of need, and annually managed. The additional costs as a percentage of GDP are minimal and affordable, especially when compared to other countries. The high economic multiplier effect of boosting spending on low-paid workers ensures that it will pay for itself without impacting government deficits.

Andy Burnham should take this opportunity to demonstrate leadership and overrule his cautious advisers. Polly Toynbee's visit to Liverpool with Louise Casey highlights the importance of respecting people living with dementia using language that promotes dignity and dehumanizes them not. She suggests starting an "audit" of the transfer of public assets to private individuals and companies, with social care being the priority.