Paul Burstow: A Liberal Blueprint for future of adult social care.

Liberal Democrat Autumn Conference today called for long-overdue reforms to adult social care, in line with the Dilnot Commission's and the Law Commission's recommendations, as well as the creation of a Older People's Commissioner for England to champion the rights of older people.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Care Services Minister, Paul Burstow, said:

"Too many past Governments have dealt with social care by simply kicking it into the long grass. I know the current care system needs to change. People tell me that it is unfair, confusing and unpopular, which is why we need to act and ensure the system is sustainable for the long term.

"Liberal Democrats in Government took the difficult, but necessary step to secure an extra £2billion a year for social care by the end of this parliament. This extra funding has created a bridge to a new reform system. But that bridge will only work properly if it connects to something at the end.

"That's why the White Paper that we are producing for the spring will seek to address many of the issues raised here today at conference, and will help provide a Liberal blueprint for the future of adult social care."