Coronavirus diary, Saturday 18 July

In his first speech as prime minister eight months ago Boris Johnson pledged to solve a problem that governments have shied away from for over twenty ears - social care. He could not have been more definite.

'My job is to protect you or your parents or grandparents from the fear of having to sell your home to pay for the cost of care', he said.

'I am announcing that we will  fix this crisis in social care once and for all, with a clear plan we have prepared to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve'.

Since then, not a word. He has had coronavirus to contend with. 

With costs of that battle reaching astronomical figures, fixing social services will be a herculean task. It is vital that it is not shelved yet again.

The pandemic has cruelly exposed failings that have been obvious for years, exacerbated by the worsening economy. Of the services covered by social services, care for the elderly is a top priority, demonstrated by the tragic events involving care homes.

Elderly people must have that security and dignity which Mr Johnson has promised. But how will it be achieved?

Whatever his prepared plan involves, I hope Britain has  studied how other countries look after their people, from children to the elderly.

Germany, for example. Our family friends in Germany have been telling us how their system works, and it is impressive.
Twenty five years ago their social care system was in a far worse state than ours.

Reunification presented a huge problem and challenge with enormous cost but they succeeded. It took years.

A report by the Nuffield Trust last year explained how it was achieved and what Britain could learn from it. The German LGTI - Long Term Care Insurance system - involves mandatory contributions based on income and is strictly controlled and ring-fenced. 

When costs rise, the government puts more money in. In Germany more people prefer to have care in their own home and the government provides cash. to help pay for it. 

The system is not problem free, says the report. Although carers are better qualified than in England they are still poorly paid and the system relies heavily on recruiting staff from other countries.

The report points out that to produce a workable, sustainable social care plan, strong political leadership and cross party support is essential.

Local government plays a pivotal part in Germany's system and it must be the same in Britain where it has been crippled by cuts - its funding halved between 2000 and 2010.

Getting the public to believe in it and  back it is vital. They must be happy with it and convinced that it is straightforward, fair, well presented and explained.

Britain's economy will take years to recover from the pandemic and the long term threat of coronavirus emphasises the importance of the reform. The country must find the will and the resources to make it happen.