Lib Dems campaign to scrap dementia tax which would hit 85% of homes in Chesterfield

85% of homes in Chesterfield could be eligible for sale to meet Theresa May's so-called 'dementia tax', research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Tom Snowdon 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.

Conservative plans to fund social care are heartless and will punish the frail and elderly. Around 85% of homes in Chesterfield would be eligible, and those with long-term illnesses such dementia, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis would be hit especially hard. These plans fly in the face of of the independent review just a couple of years ago which suggested a cap on social care costs of £72,000. It shows the Conservatives are taking people for granted at this election and if they win a landslide it will only get worse.

Every elderly person who needs care should receive it in the best place for them and not have to worry about crippling costs after they die. I want to urge anyone who opposes these Conservative plans to come together to stop them, by signing up to our campaign at dementiatax.org.uk. Together we can stop the so-called 'dementia' tax and ensure Theresa May implements a cap on the cost of social care.

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.

Liberal Democrat candidate Tom Snowdon said:

"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. People shouldn't have to worry about losing everything they've worked hard for to pay for crippling care costs.

"Together we can stop the so-called 'Dementia Tax' and put in place a cap on the cost of care."

www.libdems.org.uk/dementiatax