A REPORT by an independent body has suggested that people should pay no more than £35,000 towards their long-term care costs.

The Commission on Funding Care and Support, set up by the government last July, had been asked to recommend a fairer and more sustainable system for funding in Adult Social Care in England Among the suggestions put forward, the Dilnot Report recommended that the government set a limit on an individual’s contribution towards their own care costs over their lifetime, with the government meeting any costs above the cap.

Bournemouth is already struggling to cope with the demand for care home spaces.

Cllr Lynda Price, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for adult and social care, said: “Any report that invites discussion is positive. It is a starting point in a long process of much needed reform. We are all for a programme of reform that ensures people do not have to spend their entire life savings.”

Under the existing system, established in 1948, a quarter of 65-year-olds expect to face costs of over £50,000 with one in 10 paying £100,000.

Michelle Mitchell, director at charity Age UK, said: “Age UK welcomes the recommendations. It sets out a clear blueprint for long term sustainable reform of social care.

“By setting a clear cap on contributions towards the cost of care, it could lift the fear and uncertainty for many. The social care system has been neglected for too long and allowed to reach the brink of collapse.”

The cost of the proposed changes is estimated at £1.3 billion.