9 in 10 South Lakes homes set to be hit by Tory 'Dementia Tax'

Tim Farron is campaigning to scrap the Conservatives' 'dementia tax' which would hit more than 9 in 10 homes in South Lakeland.

Research by the Lib Dems has revealed that 95% of homes in South Lakeland could be eligible for sale to meet Theresa May's so-called 'dementia tax'.

Tim has urged residents, irrespective of their party affiliation, to join a campaign to stop the Conservative social care plans which would saddle those with long-term illnesses with crippling care costs after their death.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a penny on income tax to boost funding for the NHS and social care by £6bn a year, as well as a £72,000 cap to protect people from crippling care costs. Under Lib Dem plans, Cumbria would receive a £20million boost to social care.

Although the government has attempted to backtrack on its proposals due to public pressure, Theresa May has made clear that the 'dementia tax' remains firmly in place and that "nothing has changed".

Tim said: "The Conservatives are targeting the ill and the elderly with these ill-conceived plans. Local residents shouldn't have to worry about losing everything they've worked hard for to pay for crippling care costs. Shockingly, it is those who are most ill who will have the most to pay.

"Many elderly residents have worked hard all their lives to leave something to their children. They deserve to know exactly how much of their homes would be up for grabs now, not after the election.

"Caring for our elderly should be above party politics and that is why I want to urge anyone who opposes these plans to come together to stop them. Every elderly person who needs care should receive it in the best place for them. I will fight to stop the so-called 'Dementia Tax' and put in place a cap on the cost of care."