Tory social care plans are ‘Theresa May’s poll tax’, warns Tim Farron
Written by News on 21/05/2017
Controversial Tory social care plans are Theresa May’s "version of the poll tax" and will lead to her downfall, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron has told Sky News.
Speaking to the Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme, Mr Farron said it showed the Conservative leadership is "mean, calculating, and uncaring" and taking voters for granted.
He drew parallels with the poll tax controversy that forced Margaret Thatcher from office, and also warned: "If you or your loved one has or will get dementia, they are coming for you."
It comes as Labour narrowed the gap in the opinion polls following the publication of the parties’ election manifestos.
The Conservatives have faced criticism over a number of their policies that affect the elderly, including plans to scrap the triple-lock protection on the state pension and curb winter fuel payments.
The party is also facing a backlash over the proposed social care scheme, which would see the planned £72,000 cap on care costs scrapped.
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Instead, people would not have to pay for their care if they have assets of below £100,000 – including the value of their home – rather than the current threshold of £23,500.
While payment would be able to be deferred until after a person has died, those receiving care in their own homes would for the first time be liable to pay – and not just those in residential care.
The Tories have defended the plans, arguing they were being "honest with the public".
However, Mr Farron told Sky News: "If you or your loved one has or will get dementia, they are coming for you.
"First, it tells you a little bit about the character of those at the top of the Conservative Party- mean, calculating, and uncaring.
"It also tells you that the Conservatives think they have this in the bag. That a colossal Margaret Thatcher-style landslide is coming and that they can take you all for granted."
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He said the Liberal Democrats were being "straight" with voters in pledging to put 1p on income tax to pay for the NHS and social care.
Mr Farron added: "Contrast that with the nastiness of Theresa May’s dementia tax, which will become her version of the poll tax.
"And my prediction is it will bring her down: because to show such callousness to people in desperate need and their families at a time like this, out of maybe the meanness of the Conservatives’ character, but also the calculating nature of their position – thinking they have already won the General Election so they can get away with this kind of stuff."
But former Tory Justice Minister Dominic Raab told Sky News: "The truth is we’re presenting grown-up choices to the country.
"We are setting out very clearly – for example on social care – a responsible, financially solvent approach…
"So actually the system doesn’t break for the most vulnerable, and we have set out cost and we said this is difficult."
He added: "In 10 years’ time, there are going to be two million more people living over 75 years old. That is a huge financial burden. It’s got to be paid for in some way."
:: And don’t forget to watch it on Sky News: The Battle For Number 10 on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 May, at 8.30pm.
(c) Sky News 2017: Tory social care plans are ‘Theresa May’s poll tax’, warns Tim Farron
