In a speech at the Labour party conference, Mr Brown said that to provide security for pensioners 'for generations to come', health and social care services would be brought together under a new National Care Service in England. 

'People with dementia are hit the hardest by the current care charging system and many are spending their life savings on what is often poor quality care. This dementia tax must end.

'It is good to see the Prime Minister highlighting the increasing numbers of people with dementia and the growing human and economic cost of this devastating condition.

'A commitment to free personal care for people with the most complex needs living in their own homes sounds like a promising development.  We now need to hear the substance behind the sound bite. What is meant by 'highest needs' and what criteria will be used to judge this?  As the country debates who pays for care, we must also take action on improving the very poor standards of care provided to many people with dementia.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society