I personally think it’s no like that at all.I think people feel it’s harsh because the value of a house can get eaten up pretty quickly but I don’t see how the system is materially different to healthcare in general. Some people pay a lot more tax than others but everyone gets the same deal when it comes to public services. It’s bad luck if you need to pay for later life care, but it’s also bad luck if you develop cancer at a young age or get hit by a bus. Life’s curve balls.
Imagine twins
Both earning £500p/w
One spends every penny, lives in a council house and has a pretty good lifestyle
The other twin has bought their own house, pays into a pension and saves for a rainy day
Both get dementia at 65
Both end up in the same home
1s house has to be sold to pay for the care, all their pension is taken away, all but £23250 is spent on care
The 2nd has everything paid for.
How’s that fair?
Or sat in <40% bracket all their working lives?That person might have paid millions in income tax too. Where do you draw the line? Tax at source is ok but tax bricks and mortar which stops the children getting a windfall isn’t?
You need to be very comfortable or skint as the ones ( the majority of us) will get shafted when we need care
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