Social care reforms branded "an attack on those most in need"

On Monday night, MPs voted through Health and Social Care Bill plans, by 272 to 246, to exclude means-tested council support payments from a new £86,000 lifetime limit on costs. The cap will cover fees for personal care, like help with washing and dressing. But it will not cover living costs such as care home fees, food or utility bills.

Under the government's wider social care plan, from October 2023:

•those with assets of less than £20,000 will not have to pay anything from these towards care fees - although they might have to pay from their income

•those with more than £100,000 in assets - the value of their home, savings or investments - will not get any financial help from the council

•those with assets between £20,000 and £100,000 will qualify for council help, but will have to pay £86,000 out of their own pocket to reach the cap.

Mr Sobel, MP for Leeds North West, who voted against the Bill said: "In the 2019 General Election, the Prime Minister Promised that no one will have to sell their home to pay for social care. In 2021, he announces plans that will force working families to sell their home to pay for care. This Government has a track record for breaking election promises, but this is perhaps the worst yet.

He added: "Under these plans, if your house is worth £100k you are left with just £20K after social care costs are covered. On the other hand, if your house is worth £500k, you are left with £414k. In other words, the worse off you are, the more you stand to lose. This isn’t levelling up, it is an attack on those most in need.

He said:“Just as Labour led the world in creating a National Health Service in the 20th century, we will lead again to build a national care service in the 21st..”