Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron warned Prime Minister Theresa May's 'dementia tax' could threaten the future of the family farm.
After a visit to a farm in Welshpool, Mr Farron said farmers would be forced to sell their farm to pay for their care.
He said: “This heartless and cruel dementia tax is threatening the family farm as we know it. It will end the idea that the family farm is passed from one generation to the next.
“Theresa May is threatening to rob families of their homes, and Britain of a vital part of our rural history.
“Britain has a proud farming heritage and those who are pushing to leave will be putting that at risk.
“At a time where we have to fight for farmers to get a fair deal for things like the price of milk, and when many farmers are struggling, we should be doing all we can to protect the Great British Farm, not putting it under more pressure.”
The UK's first ever research to address dementia in farming and rural communities has identified areas of significant concern.
Research carried out by Plymouth University into the experience of dementia in farming and farming families, and its impact on their businesses and home lives, has identified four areas of concern which need to be addressed if dementia in the countryside is to be better managed.
Backlash
The 'dementia tax' pledge has seen the Conservatives progress in the opinion polls halve since announcing the controversial plans a week ago.
Mrs May now says a government green paper will consult on the option of a limit on individuals’ care costs – which the party had previously ruled out – as well as the £100,000 “floor”.
The Tory leader said the plans would still give people “peace of mind”.
She said: “This manifesto says that we will come forward with a consultation paper, a government green paper.
“And that consultation will include an absolute limit on the amount people have to pay for their care costs.
“So let me reiterate. We are proposing the right funding model for social care. We will make sure nobody has to sell their family home to pay for care.
“We will make sure there’s an absolute limit on what people need to pay. And you will never have to go below £100,000 of your savings, so you will always have something to pass on to your family.”
