Farron: Tories' 'dementia tax' proposals unspeakably heartless

Updated

Tory plans to shake up social care funding have been branded "unspeakably heartless" by Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.

Mr Farron said the so-called "dementia tax" would see families forced to sell their homes after a loved one dies.

The Tory manifesto pledge commits the party to get people to pay for their own care if they have combined savings and property valued at more than £100,000.

If they wish to keep their home, payment can be deferred until after they die, when it will be deducted from their estate.

BRITAIN-ELECTION/
BRITAIN-ELECTION/

Mr Farron said this was proof the Tories were "coming for" dementia sufferers.

He told the Press Association: "The most appalling thing in the Conservative manifesto is this unspeakable dementia tax.

"For the first time you'll be asked to cash-in your home when it comes to paying for your care and your treatment.

"And the worst thing, to my mind - let's say you're the wife of a husband who has to go into a nursing home because of dementia, the reality is your house, the house that you still live in, the family home, will have to be cashed-in now under the Tories' heartless dementia tax.

"That's absolutely appalling. It's a specific attack on those who end up getting dementia. If you have dementia, the Tories are coming for you."

Advertisement