UK General Election 2024: What to Expect and Implications for Disabled People and Social Care Funding

As the UK General Election approaches, political parties have released their manifestos, outlining key policies and priorities. This election on the 4th July is particularly crucial, given the ongoing challenges in social care and the pressing need for policies that support disabled people. At PA Pool, we know how overwhelming and confusing politics can be, so we’ve summarised the main party manifestos and highlighted the impact these may have on our users, to help you better understand and navigate these complicated decisions.

Conservative Party

Key Policies

●      Economy and Taxation: Pledge to maintain a stable economy with a focus on reducing inflation and public debt. Proposals include tax cuts for middle-income earners and businesses to stimulate growth.

●      Healthcare: Promises to increase NHS funding, improve hospital infrastructure, and reduce waiting times.

●      Social Care: Plans to introduce a new social care funding model, including a cap on personal contributions to care costs.

Impact on Disabled People and Social Care
The Conservative Party's proposed cap on social care costs aims to prevent individuals from facing unlimited financial burdens. However, concerns remain about whether increased NHS funding will adequately address the specific needs of disabled people, including access to specialised care and support services.

Labour Party

Key Policies

●      Economy and Taxation: Plans to raise taxes on the highest earners and large corporations to fund public services.

●      Healthcare: Commitment to expanding NHS funding, reducing privatisation, and increasing the healthcare workforce.

●      Social Care: Proposes free personal care for over-65s and substantial investments in social care services.

Impact on Disabled People and Social Care
Labour's proposal for free personal care for over-65s represents a significant shift towards more comprehensive support for those in need of social care. Additionally, increased funding for the NHS and social care services could enhance access and quality of care for disabled individuals, though the feasibility and implementation of these policies will be closely watched.

Liberal Democrats

Key Policies

●      Economy and Taxation: Focus on a fair taxation system with increased taxes on high earners and large companies to fund public services.

●      Healthcare: Plans to increase NHS funding, with an emphasis on mental health services and preventative care.

●      Social Care: Proposes a dedicated tax for social care funding and a significant increase in investment for these services.

Impact on Disabled People and Social Care
The Liberal Democrats' dedicated tax for social care aims to create a sustainable funding model. Their focus on mental health and preventative care could benefit disabled people by providing more comprehensive and accessible services.

Green Party

Key Policies

●      Economy and Taxation: Advocates for a Green New Deal to address climate change and economic inequality, funded by higher taxes on wealth and corporate profits.

●      Healthcare: Pledges to expand NHS funding, with a strong focus on public health and community services.

●      Social Care: Proposes universal social care, free at the point of use, funded by progressive taxation.

Impact on Disabled People and Social Care
The Green Party's commitment to universal social care and expanded NHS funding aligns with a vision of fair and accessible services for all. Their focus on public health and community services could significantly benefit disabled individuals, ensuring more localised and integrated care options.

The policies outlined in the party manifestos highlight differing approaches to addressing the needs of disabled people and those relying on social care funding. Voters should consider which proposals best align with their priorities and the needs of the most vulnerable in the UK. Each party's vision for the future will play a critical role in shaping the landscape of social care and support for disabled people in the UK.

This blog article aims to provide an overview of the key policies from major political parties regarding the upcoming UK General Election and their potential impacts on disabled people and social care funding. It is not based on the opinion of any employee of PA Pool and is not intended to significantly impact voter decision or freedom of choice. Readers are highly encouraged to review the full party manifestos for further details prior to casting their vote on July 4th 2024.