THE Conservative manifesto on social care as it is offers the worst of all worlds for millions of old people and their families and already appears to be in tatters and dead in the water.

Even George Osborne heavily criticised it and news is breaking that their manifesto is being revised probably with a cap on Dilmot lines.

For one reason it was grossly unfair as pensioners in Wales and Scotland would be exempt and are likely to enjoy a much more equitable and fairer system Likewise in the removal of the winter fuel payment if you live in Gretna you will continue to receive it but if you reside in Carlisle the majority of pensioners will have it taken from them.

We are no longer a United Kingdom but a divided nation.

As far as the Triple Lock is concerned for the moment we will have it for another two or so years until 2020 and a week is a long time in politics.

Also the initial social care proposals is upsetting their own core supporters in middle England, particularly those south of the Watford gap where property prices are sky high.

And middle England will retaliate and emulate the tactics of the rich.

Accounting firms and financial advisers will come up with foolproof watertight avoidance plans and local authorities will find it difficult to enforce.

A one penny increase in income tax or national insurance would ensure that everyone who needs care whether at their own home or in a care home could do so without paying up front or after.

Rich pensioners will still contribute through tax and, just like the NHS, society as a whole will share the risk and the cost of growing old.

That is the mark of a fair society.

Social care should be integrated within the NHS and be free at the point of use.

JOHN MACJUE

Chairman National Pensioners Convention

Oxfordshire Group

Hendred Street, Cowley, Oxford