Lib Dems campaign to scrap dementia tax which would hit 96% of homes in Shepway

96% of homes in Shepway could be eligible for sale to meet Theresa May's so-called 'dementia tax', research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed.

Lynne Beaumont 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.

Liberal Democrat candidate Lynne 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."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Key points

• Across England, 9 out 10 homes could be eligible for sale to meet Theresa May's Dementia Tax. See a full breakdown by local authority here. Figures are based on the number of homes that have been sold for over £100,000 so far this year, based on data from the land registry.
• The Liberal Democrats are urging people to come together and stop the dementia tax through a national campaign which can be found here.
• The Liberal Democrats have committed in their manifesto to implementing the recommendations of the Dilnot Commission, which would mean a cap on care costs of £72,000.