Lib Dems Propose Free Personal Care to Tackle Hospital Crisis, as Tories Focus on Immigration Caps Ahead of Election

The Liberal Democrats have committed to resolving the healthcare system's issues by introducing no-cost personal care, while the Conservatives, led by Rishi Sunak, are promoting a plan to impose limits on immigration. Sir Ed Davey believes his party's proposal, costing £2.7 billion, will address the problems in social care and provide respect to the elderly. On the other hand, Sunak is set to vow decisive measures to reduce the number of immigrants.

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Monday, June 3, 2024, 7:

The Liberal Democrats are committing to provide complimentary personal care to "everyone in need" as they present their social care plans during the election campaign.

On Tuesday, the party plans to announce that their proposal could resolve the crisis in hospitals by facilitating the discharge of thousands who are currently unable to leave their hospital beds. Additionally, it would support older individuals in living independently at home for a longer period.

The Liberal Democrats highlighted findings from an Age UK study indicating that around 1.6 million individuals aged 65 and older are lacking necessary care. Additionally, in the month of April, it was reported that an average of 12,772 hospital beds were occupied daily by patients who were medically cleared to leave.

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Sir Ed Davey stated, "Care is a deeply personal issue for me, having looked after my disabled son and cared for my sick mother during my youth. This is why addressing the care crisis is central to the Liberal Democrat's proposal to the nation in this election.

"Family caregivers frequently find themselves compensating for gaps in the care system, which fails to support them adequately. Countless individuals are deprived of necessary care, and many are confined to hospital beds when they should be receiving care in their homes or in residential care facilities."

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"The NHS crisis cannot be resolved unless we also address the social care crisis. The Liberal Democrats propose implementing free personal care to support individuals in living independently and with dignity, preferably in their own homes."

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Universal personal care would encompass assistance with nursing, mobility, personal hygiene, and managing medications. It would be accessible to individuals whether they reside in their own homes or in a care facility. However, those opting for care home facilities would continue to bear the costs of their accommodation.

The Liberal Democrats have calculated that their proposed policy would require an annual funding of £2.7 billion. They suggest that this amount could be sourced by retracting the tax reductions the Conservative party previously granted to the banking industry. Additionally, they argue that this move could alleviate up to £3 billion in strain on the NHS annually.

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On Tuesday, the Conservative Party plans to announce a yearly limit on immigration.

The political group has introduced several measures aimed at decreasing the influx of legal immigrants following a surge to unprecedented highs in net migration over the last two years.

The statement indicates that a cap will be imposed.

The specifics of the cap remain undefined, as the Conservatives plan to consult the Migration Advisory Committee for a suggested number before presenting it to parliament for approval.

Mr. Sunak stated, "The Conservatives are the sole party prepared to implement the drastic measures required to reduce immigration numbers."

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Mr. Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer from the Labour Party are anticipated to dedicate Tuesday to prepare for the inaugural leaders' debate, scheduled to take place on ITV that evening.

Before the event, Sir Keir is scheduled to speak with senior citizens to talk about how increasing energy prices are affecting them, while committing to "shut out Putin" through Labour's proposal for Great British Energy.

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