Care cap delay a 'golden opportunity' says Symponia

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The delay to the introduction of the care cap represents a ‘golden opportunity' for advisers, Symponia has said.

The proposed care cap of £72,000, due to be implemented in 2016, will be delayed for four years, Alistair Burt, minister for community and social care, told Izzi Seccombe, chair of the Local Government Association.

The Minister wrote to Seccombe: ""A time of consolidation is not the right moment to be implementing expensive new commitments such as this, especially when there are no indications the private insurance market will develop as expected."

Symponia has called for greater transparency over the Care Cap, and said there are not enough known variables from the government to have "an open dialogue with the right people." 

Symponia has also said it is not fair or reasonable to blame the hiatus on financial services for a lack of product development.

Symponia added that there are not enough firm footings, commitments and known variables from the government to base products on.

Janet Davies, joint founder and managing director of Symponia said: "We're here ready, waiting and totally willing to engage in the urgent talks sought by Alistair Burt, but we send a note of caution too.

"Please, please make sure you establish an open dialogue with the right people; no guesswork, quangos, political correctness or bureaucracy for the sake of it, just the views of real people with demonstrable experience. 

Davies added: "In the meantime we'll ensure that Symponia continues to help not just its members but all care fees planning advisers with a new CPD-giving learning programme, and structured plan of action to put planning for the ongoing and future payment of private care fees at the very heart of all family-centred advice."

Further Reading:

Social care funding warning from white paper

Two-thirds of advisers see clients 'concerned' about care costs

Care changes come into effect

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