Lyn Brown MP has backed the Government's guarantee of free personal care for those with the most need from October 2011. 

The Personal Care at Home Bill is the Government's first step towards setting up a National Care Service.  This will provide a fair and affordable care system for everyone. 

The Bill will also help those who need home care for the first time to stay in their own homes and retain their independence.  This will also help many to save on the cost of their care. 

Home care is currently means-tested by Newham council.   Under the new system, means testing for personal care would be removed for those with the most need.  Labour has stated that those currently receiving disability benefits will not lose out under the new scheme.

Lyn Brown MP said,

“The Government's guarantee of free personal care for those in most need will be welcome news for many people in Newham and I am delighted to give it my support.   Paying for home care can be an enormous worry and this is a good first step towards providing an affordable system for everyone. 

Many older and disabled people want to stay in their own homes as long as possible.  This investment will help these people enjoy the quality of life they deserve as well as helping them to save on the cost of their care.

Newham is already helping older people to stay in their homes.  The Community Centre in Plaistow already provides vital support to over 400 elderly and disabled people each week.  I will fight to get more of these vital centres for our community.

The Tories have claimed that they will introduce a voluntary insurance scheme for residential care.  But their plans do not cover care in the home and experts doubt whether they would work.  Labour offer everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, a fair and affordable care system.”