Time to come clean (From York Press)

Time to come clean

11:58am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

What possible trust can we place in the Coalition’s promise to reform social care funding when one of their own former ministers has severe doubts?

If anyone should know the Government’s true intentions over social care reform and whether or not it will implement the Dilnot recommendations, it is Paul Barstow, who just days ago was care services minister in the Department of Health.

If, as Mr Barstow suggests, there is a lack of political will and the Treasury is “kicking the can down the road” then the Government should come clean and tell us.

Mr Barstow is right that this is an historic opportunity to tackle the way we care for older and vulnerable people later in their lives.

But, like a visit to the doctor, it is best to hear the truth, however unpalatable, about our prognosis, rather than live on in ignorance with false hope.

Mike Padgham, Chair, Independent Care Group (York and North Yorkshire), Eastfield House, Eastfield, Scarborough.