Care for the elderly - should taxpayers fund it to protect inheritances?

[Upwind]

Gordon Brown thinks so:

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/alice_miles/article3926958.ece

"The Government is proposing that younger workers should fund the care of the elderly through a new form of social insurance or ageing tax; a ?new social care and support system?, offering protection to all, as the Prime Minister put it. Mr Brown added an astonishing thing: ?We can and must look to give people the opportunity and the support to save for their old age in a way that insures them and protects their houses and their inheritance.?

It is amazing that after all the row over the 10p tax grab, and party fury over inheritance tax freebies to the better-off, Mr Brown is banging that drum again. "
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I think it is disgraceful that a "Labour" government keep transfering wealth from young and poor to old and rich by any means possible. Why should low income workers pay to protect the inheritances of the wealthy?

Upwind....you're right it is unfair. My poor old parents are seeking advise now. I'd help but I'm due to have dc2 in two weeks!

Theoretically we can apply to get her funded...but it's been turned down on some 'technicality'. The Local Authorities are pretty ruthless and if they say they can't afford previous 'self funders' then they won't. Whatever happens she can't stay where she is as the home won't keep her as they can't afford to lose funds. Seems to be because she's high dependancy - which dramatically cuts down your choice of home...and pushes the costs skywards.

I think what most people forget is the cost of these homes - for the most basic (and I mean shabby basic) is horrific. For 24 hour care - it's over £800 per week Then there are other costs on top. So - with the sale of a modest home it doesn't last long...then your problems really start. For so many people the money simply runs out and then you're in the hands of the Local Authority.