Age Concern and Help the Aged comment on Nick Clegg's announcement to shelve party pledges

Commenting on Nick Clegg’s announcement to shelve party pledges, Andrew Harrop, Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged, said:

'Any party that wants to do well in the coming election needs to take in account the needs and views of older people.

'The Liberal Democrats need to produce credible proposals for reforming the care and support system; otherwise many older people and their families will feel let down by today’s announcement. They mustn’t drop the commitment to radically reform the current system even if the details have changed from their previous policy. 

'There’s no doubt that the looming election will be overshadowed by the urgent need to cut the budget deficit, but politicians must not lose sight of the care crisis before us. Quietly dropping the debate on long term care reform will let down generations to come.'