Paul Burstow MP has called on the Government to follow Scotland's suit and introduce free personal care for the elderly.

The Sutton and Cheam MP was in the Scottish capital recently to welcome introduction of the measure from July 1.

It means old people will not have to pay for services such as help with bathing, feeding, dressing and using the toilet while staying in a care home or from home helps.

In England, in addition to paying for care home accommodation, the elderly must pay for this type of care.

The Welsh Assembly has also announced its intention to introduce free personal care in the near future.

The MP, who is Liberal Democrat spokesman for older people, said: "On July 1, Scots will light a beacon of hope that Westminster cannot fail to see.

"For too long Labour ministers in Westminster have ignored the reality that their policies are relegating the elderly in England to the status of third class citizens.

"Only the Labour Government is holding out against fair treatment for the elderly. Both the Scottish and Welsh partnership governments are committed to free personal care."

Age Concern Sutton's chief officer Marion Harper echoed Mr Burstow's sentiments: "We really feel this should be introduced across the UK as a whole and it is something the Government should be looking at.

"We now have this ridiculous situation where people in Scotland are receiving free personal and nursing care, and over here they must pay for it."

July 10, 2002 12:00