The law and duties covering social care provided by councils in England and Wales need simplifying, experts say. The Law Commission, which advises the government on law reform, said the current system, incorporating 39 different acts, was confusing. The organisation wants to see a...

The Conservatives are refusing to take part in a conference about the future of social care in England, as they say the summit is a "political ploy". Labour and the Lib Dems will join care providers and charities in talks over options for a national care service. Many are likely to...

An attempt to delay a bid to provide free personal care at home for some 250,000 people in England has failed. The House of Lords voted against a motion tabled by former health minister Lord Warner. He had argued that the government’s proposal was "unaffordable" and proper...

By Nick TriggleHealth reporter, BBC News The government has "significantly underestimated" the cost of delivering free social care, council chiefs say. The poll of 61 directors of social services suggested providing care to the most in need costs £200 a week – double the...