Commenting on the new report by the King’s Fund updating the review of social care led by Sir Derek Wanless in 2006‚ Michelle Mitchell‚ Age Concern and Help the Aged Charity Director‚ said:

“We welcome this updating of the original King’s Fund report as a useful contribution. It will help shift the debate on funding social care from political bickering to a constructive dialogue based on the latest costings.

“A part contribution to the cost of care from the State could be a building block for reform‚ but we have great concerns about the means-testing of Attendance Allowance‚ as many people with modest wealth and significant care needs would be worse off as a result. The entitlements of Attendance Allowance must not be lost in any reform the care system.

“This report should come as a loud wake-up call for political parties who have yet to set out credible proposals for comprehensive reform of the care system. We urge them all to present their plans in full before the election to give voters a choice.”