| The
Conservatives have treated 'care in the community' as a cost cutting exercise,
underfunding the transfer of responsibilities to local authorities. Labour has supported the community care
programme one moment and then opposed it the next.
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Liberal
Democrats aim to enable people with special needs to meet their full potential. We are
committed to allocating increased resources on the basis of individual needs, to help
guarantee individuals maximum independence. We propose:
- To make a commitment to funding the
community care programme adequately.
- To give users greater control over
services and a greater choice of care options.
- Greater recognition of the rights of
carers, including the development of wider support networks and respite care.
- The conversion of the Invalid Care Allowance into a
more substantial Carer's Benefit linked to earnings.
- To encourage the development of a wide range of
specialist housing and residential accommodation, with an emphasis on small-scale
independent living schemes.
- To enhance the strength and
diversity of the voluntary sector, with the emphasis on their role as advocates as well as
service providers.
- Reform the tax and benefits system to make it easier
for those with caring responsibilities to continue in part-time work.
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