Responding to Gordon Brown’s announcement of another review of how support is given to those needing long-term care and their carers in England, Trevor Ivory has expressed concern that after several consultations and a Royal Commission since 1997 the Government is still not taking action.

“We are already living through a crisis in long-term care with falling bed numbers at a time when we are living longer and the need for beds is increasing rapidly and the situation is getting worse by the day. At the same time, the lack of support – financial and otherwise – for those needing long-term care and carers is causing real suffering for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.” Trevor said.

“What is worse is that yesterday the Labour Minister clearly ruled out adopting the recommendation of the Royal Commission that long-term care should be state funded, despite that recommendation having already been accepted in Scotland. So even before we embark on this consultation the Government is telling us what the answer will not be – that is not a consultation, it is a stalling tactic to avoid tackling this crucial issue.”

“Improving long-term care and supporting the army of full-time carers who give up their lives to treat loved-ones are key priorities for me.”