Recommendation 17

The Lords Economic Affairs Committee’s report makes a persuasive case for the introduction of free personal care. This would cost around £5bn per year, which is only a small fraction of what is currently spent on NHS care. It would also simplify the current confusing arrangements for people who need care, and would put social care on a more equal footing with the NHS by ensuring that all basic care needs are met free at the point of need. Free personal care was also recommended by a joint report of the Health and Social Care Committee and Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee in 2018.