Tory manifesto could lump residents of Brighton, Hove and Portslade with average £250,000 social care bill

Conservative manifesto plans will mean the average household in Brighton, Hove and Portslade could be forced to pay 71% of the value of their homes for social care.

The manifesto plans, which would mean that people would be forced to hand over assets worth over £100,000 to pay for social care at home, would have a particularly damaging impact on sufferers of dementia, who have complicated long-term health needs. The Tories have stripped out any element of mutual insurance from the scheme. Those unlucky enough to suffer expensive and debilitating illnesses in their old age will effectively mortgage their homes to the council to pay for their care and the interest will accrue until their house is sold after their death.

The Liberal Democrats have hit out at the plans and are calling for a cap of £75,000 to protect people from crippling care costs.

Carrie Hynds, Liberal Democrat candidate for Hove and Portslade said: "This Conservative Manifesto confirms that the nasty party is back. Theresa May is betraying the most vulnerable people in our society.

"Many older people already face the cruel situation of having to sell their home to fund residential care home costs. Now those receiving care in their own home will face a 'Personal Death Tax' charged against their home. And the more help you need, the more Theresa May will snatch away when you die. Social care needs to be a safety net, not an extra burden that hits the frailest hardest."

Emily Tester, LibDem Candidate for Brighton Kemptown added: "It's clear that if the Conservatives get their way, as you get old and frail the costs are down to you and you alone.

"The Liberal Democrats will stand up to Theresa May's cold, mean-spirited Britain, protecting those that need the most help and fighting for a cap on social care costs of £75,000 to protect people in their old age."