According to Catholic social teaching, the answer to the question “who should look after granny (or grandpa)?” is “the family”.

The family might delegate aspects of providing care to others as care needs become more complex and our loved ones have to be cared for in a specialist nursing or care home. However, the responsibility remains with the family and it is in that context that the recent row and u-turn over long-term care costs should be seen.

I often hear the refrain that older people have paid their taxes whilst at work and are now entitled to have their care paid for by the state. But even Beveridge did not believe this. When the Beveridge report was implemented, health care was to be paid for and provided by the state, but social care was not – that was regarded as a matter for families.