24 March 2010
The consultation about funding of long-term care closes at the end of this month. A public meeting is being held tomorrow evening (Thursday 25 March) to give everyone the opportunity to find out more about the possible options and to put questions to the Minister for Social Security on this issue.
Encouraging people to attend, Deputy Ian Gorst, the Minister for Social Security, said "Consultation on this important topic closes shortly, but there is still time for people to let me know their views. If anyone remains unsure why this is an important issue and wants to know more about what is being proposed, please come along to the public meeting where I will be giving a short presentation and answering questions.
"I am pleased to report that so far we have had nearly 400 responses to the Green Paper. The Department will be analysing these shortly. I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to complete the questionnaire and can reassure them that their responses will be considered when I draw up final proposals for the White Paper later this year.
"I would stress that it is not too late for people to submit their views. I am keen that responses to the consultation come from as many age groups and walks of life as possible. The questionnaire can be completed online at www.gov.je or as a hard copy that is included in the summary document. Copies will be available on Thursday at the meeting, but can also be picked up from the Social Security department, parish halls, Cyril Le Marquand House, and the public library.
"Long-term care and how to fund it is a topical issue. Here in Jersey, we are not immune from the challenges presented by the combination of an ageing population, a diminishing number of working age people and the rising cost of care. How long-term care is funded has implications for everyone living here. One day we may need care ourselves or we may be contributing to the cost of such care for others. It is important that there is a balance between what the user pays and the demands placed on the taxpayer. We all have to realise that the amount and type of care that the States can provide is linked directly to the contributions or taxes that pay for it."
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