Royal Commission on Long Term Care for the Elderly CALL FOR EVIDENCE

A Royal Commission has been established to consider the funding of long-term care for elderly people. The Commission, to be chaired by Professor Sir Stewart Sutherland, will carry out its work in about 12 months. It will have the following terms of reference: "To examine the short and long term options for a sustainable system of funding of long-term care for elderly people, both in their homes and in other settings and, within 12 months, to recommend how, and in what circumstances, the cost of such care should be apportioned between public funds and individuals, having regard to: the number of people likely to require various kinds of long-term care both in the present and through the first half of the next century, and their likely income and capital over their lifetime; the expectations of elderly people for dignity and security in the way in which their long-term care needs are met, taking account of the need for this to be secured in the most cost-effective manner; the strengths and weaknesses of the current arrangements; fair and efficient ways for individuals to make any contribution required of them; constraints on public funds, and earlier work done by various bodies on this issue. In carrying out its remit, the Royal Commission should also have regard to: the deliberations of the Government's comprehensive spending review, including the review of pensions; the implications of their recommendations for younger people who by reason of illness or disability have long-term care needs. The Commission's recommendations should be costed. The Commission is asked to give opportunity to all interests likely to be affected by its recommendations to give their views on issues within the terms of reference, and in particular to users and carers." Written evidence from interested organisations or from individuals are sought by the Commission. The Commission will consider this written evidence, and will decide what further oral evidence required in the light of the evidence it has received. Written evidence should be sent to: The Secretary, Royal Commission on Long Term Care for the Elderly, Hannibal House, 5th Floor, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6TE Tel: 0171 972 2400 Fax: 0171 972 2020/21 email: sbateman@doh.gov.uk All other correspondence relating to the Commission and its work should be addressed to The Secretary at the above address. Evidence will be regarded as publishable, unless those who submit it indicate otherwise. However, evidence relating to particular individuals and their circumstances will be treated as confidential.

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This page last updated 5 June 1998