MP votes against controversial social care reforms

Last night in Parliament, local MP Tim Farron voted against controversial changes to how much people have to pay for their social care.

The Health and Social Care Bill calls for an £86,000 cap on how much anyone has to pay for social care.

Until last week, people thought financial support from local authorities would count towards that sum.

But under a new clause introduced last night, the Government has removed local authority money from the calculation, meaning many people will have to pay £86,000 themselves, prompting criticism that this will disproportionately hit those on lower incomes.

Despite a backbench rebellion, the Conservatives voted through the plans by 272 votes to 246.

Tim said: "I was proud to vote against the Government's half-baked and deeply unfair social care plans last night.

"Of course if we are to properly reform social care in this country then it will cost money, but how can it possibly be right that the Conservatives are forcing those families or individuals on lower incomes to pay the most for it?

"What's even more infuriating is that these plans will do nothing to increase social care capacity or quality and do not address the almighty staffing crisis that the sector is facing."