The Lib Dems' plan for free personal care in England
Replacing England's means-tested system with free personal care at the point of use, modelled on the system already running in Scotland.
What's being proposed
The Liberal Democrats want to introduce free personal care in England — help with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing and eating — provided free at the point of use based on need, rather than the current means-tested system where many people pay for care or run down their assets to qualify for support. It mirrors the model that has operated in Scotland for years. The party pairs it with reform of Carer's Allowance and better support for unpaid family carers, as part of a wider plan to raise public spending by around £27bn a year, funded by tax rises on banks, energy companies, large tech firms and the wealthy.
Where it comes from
Social care has been a defining Liberal Democrat priority, and the party argues the current system is unfair — penalising people with conditions like dementia and forcing families to shoulder large costs. Free personal care is presented as a way to take that financial risk off households and ease pressure on the NHS by helping people stay well at home.
The case for and against
Supporters argue
- It removes a major financial risk for older and disabled people and their families.
- It treats care needs more like NHS care — free at the point of use.
- Helping people stay well at home can reduce costly hospital admissions.
Critics argue
- It is expensive and depends on the party's wider tax-raising plans materialising.
- Scotland's system has faced funding and capacity pressures, which critics say England could repeat.
- Some argue the money would do more targeted at those with the highest needs.
Sources & further reading
- Liberal Democrats — social care and carers policies.
- The King's Fund — analysis of social care funding models.
- House of Commons Library — Paying for adult social care in England.
- The King's Fund — Social care in a nutshell — how the means test works.
General information based on reported proposals; details and costings may change. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is free personal care?
Personal care — help with things like washing, dressing and eating — provided free at the point of use regardless of means, as already happens in Scotland.
Is it available in England?
No — in England social care is means-tested; those with assets above £23,250 generally pay for their own care. The Lib Dems propose free personal care on the Scottish model.
What would it cost?
Estimates vary; earlier costings put free personal care in England at several billion pounds a year. It's a proposal, not funded policy.