How the Queen’s speech could affect you

The Queen’s Speech was delivered at 11.30am on Wednesday 18th November 2009 as part of the State Opening of Parliament. Personal finance and poverty commentators were quick to voice their response to the proposals announced.

Commenting on the detailing of plans for a new National Money Guidance Service, Citizens Advice’s Head of Press & Public Affairs, John Ludlow said:

“Of the new measures announced, we warmly welcome the establishment of a Consumer Education Authority contained in the Financial Services Bill. The new Authority will oversee the roll-out of the National Money Guidance Service, which will make general financial advice available to all, free of charge.”

“We look forward to seeing fuller details of this Bill, which will also include the banning of unsolicited credit card cheques, when it is published shortly.”

“We also interested in seeing more details of the Social Care Bill, which aims to introduce free domiciliary care for the most needy. We are concerned about how the scheme will be funded, and how it will impact on those who are already being cared for by friends or family.”

Also commenting on the Social Care Bill, Age Concern and Help the Aged released a statement which said:

“”We warmly welcome the Bill in the Queen’s Speech to bring in free personal care at home for those with the highest needs. This represents the first step in ensuring a better deal for this group. It will be essential that councils are properly funded to provide this care, so that there are no perverse incentives to either push older people into residential care homes earlier than needed or assess their needs as not critical enough to warrant free care at home.”

“Even if this Bill reaches the Statute Book, fundamental reform of the entire care system will still be urgently required. We call on all the political parties to set out definitive plans for reforming the system ahead of the next General Election so that older people, their families and carers can judge their proposals for providing the high quality care people desperately need.”