Public views sought on social care

The Government is running a consultation on the make-up of a new National Care Service, and people have a month left to say what they think.

Three models have been proposed for the new service, including a state-run insurance scheme.

The scheme would cost about £17,000 to £20,000 at today's prices and would provide free care for all who need it when they get older.

Another option is a "partnership" approach, with the state paying about a quarter to a third of the cost of basic social care and support, leaving individuals to find the remainder.

A voluntary insurance scheme is the third option, under which the state would pay the same proportion, but would also make it easier for individuals to take out insurance - at an estimated cost of about £20,000 to £25,000 at today's prices - to cover the rest.

The new service is designed to end the current lottery under which some elderly people have to sell their homes and use up their savings while others pay nothing.

The National Care Service would offer assistance with needs such as dressing, washing and moving around at home, but those who go into residential care homes would continue to pay the cost of accommodation and food themselves, whether they had taken out insurance or not.

However, new national arrangements would allow for bed and board costs to be deferred and paid as a lump sum after a person dies.

The Department of Health is consulting on whether insurance costs should be deferred until after death, paid in instalments or handed over in a single lump sum when an individual reaches retirement age. Views sought on future of social care. Under all three options, those with little or no savings or assets would continue to receive free care.