The York Research Database

This Viewpoint draws on the experiences of other countries and sets out a number of principles that should underpin reform of care and support arrangements in England.

The authors argue that:
* Responsibility for funding and providing social care is a collective, welfare state responsibility rather than an individual, private responsibility.
* Social care arrangements in many other countries are founded on principles of universality - those who are not poor as well as those who are poor are eligible.
* Equity - between people with similar levels of disability and regardless of where they live - is a key feature of arrangements for funding and providing social care in other countries.
* Reforming social care requires changes in the relationships and responsibilities of local government, the English and UK governments.
* Ensuring choice for people needing social care support involves the provision of services as well as cash.
* Support for family care-giving is an integral part of overall social care policy, however, eligibility for collectively provided social care should not depend on whether or not a carer is available.