Government plans to provide free social care at a cost of £670 million-a-year means less money for research and development, NHS efficiencies and public health promotions.

Under the Social Care Bill, up to 280,000 disabled and elderly people will receive free personal home care, and a further 130,000 will get help to stay in their homes for longer, such as necessary building adaptation.

Health secretary Andy Burnham told The Times he would "ruthlessly" cut spending in other departments - including £60 million from R&D and £50 million from health promotions - to pay for the Bill's guarantees.

"It's always a question of priorities. I'm not cutting into vital projects. I'm moving stuff out of lower-priority, backroom spend towards direct public benefit," he said.

The Department of Health was quick to clarify that £1 billion funding for health research into cancer and dementia would be "ring-fenced" and protected from Mr Burnham's plans. A spokesman said the R&D budget is separate and relates to administrative issues.

With only a maximum of six months left before a general election that could see Labour lose power, Gordon Brown hopes to pass the Bill into law as quickly as possible.

Copyright © Press Association 2009

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