MORE people in Britain should pay inheritance tax to ensure all older people receive free social care if they need it, according to Keighley's MP.

Speaking in Parliament, John Grogan said it would be fairer to generate the necessary extra cash this way, instead of by raising national insurance.

He said: "I think many people in our society lucky enough to own their own home would accept that bargain – a guarantee they could get free care and pass on the bulk of their estate to members of their family or to good causes, in return for which I think they'd be prepared to pay an additional inheritance tax.

"Only four per cent of people currently pay inheritance tax. It raises £5 billion. It's a potential way of achieving intergenerational fairness.

"A national insurance rise at the moment would hit many workers whose real incomes have been cut in recent years, so we should consider the option of raising inheritance tax."

Mr Grogan also called for care workers to get better pay, and for an end to the system where they have to provide care to people at home in only 15 minutes.

He concluded by praising the Telemedicine unit at Airedale Hospital which keeps many elderly people in their own homes by carrying out consultations and tests remotely.

The Government has announced it will publish its own proposals for social care in a Green Paper before the end of the year.

Mr Grogan also attended a reception in Parliament hosted by Age UK.

The event focused on older people’s views of social care and is part of Age UK’s campaign for a better social care system.

As part of this campaign the organisation has been speaking to older people and their carers about their experience of the care system and what changes they would like to see.