Neighbourhood watch groups should provide care to 'miserable and lonely' pensioners, says health minister

Norman Lamb warned that Britain’s attitude to the elderly was “uncivilised” and said the public must acknowledge that pensioners living nearby need their help.

He wants neighbourhood watch groups to apply for “care status” and suggested that they could help wash and feed pensioners as well as provide companionship.

The plans, which have the approval of senior Government figures and have been welcomed by Neighbourhood Watch leaders, would help to reduce the number of pensioners forced into care homes, the Liberal Democrat minister hopes.

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