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Gordon Lishman‚ Director General of Age Concern‚ said:

“Measures to cut the cake more fairly are welcome‚ but what is really needed is a much bigger cake for social care.

“New criteria for who should get care will not change the fact that large numbers of people who need care and support now are not getting it because there isn’t enough money to pay for it.

“Without a massive cash injection people and their families will continue to be denied the care and support they need.

“In the short term the Government should commit at least £1bn of funding for care and support now. In the long term‚ the Government’s Green Paper must make radical changes to address both the funding and the quality of care and support services.”

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Notes to editors:

Age Concern’s campaign “The Big Q” sets out five building blocks for the foundation of a new quality care and support system:

• Respecting people’s Dignity
• Enabling people to maintain their Independence
• Ensuring Fairness for all who need care
• Giving Clarity about getting the support you need
• Increasing the amount of Money available to provide quality care

To find out more or support the The Big Q campaign please visit www.ageconcern.org.uk/care‚ email care@ace.org.uk or call Age Concern’s Campaigns team on 020 8765 7656.

Media Contact:
Zena Ambrose
Telephone:
020 8765 7512
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07071 243 243
Email:
media@ace.org.uk