Tories Veto Free Personal Care For The Elderly

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Jan 2003

Conservative and Labour MPs have joined forces in the House of Commons to block a Liberal Democrat effort to scrap charges for personal care.

The Government's Community Care (Delayed Discharge) Bill initially contained a power to allow any future Government to introduce free personal care by regulations, without new legislation being necessary. But on 15 January the Government tabled an amendment preventing any future Government from implementing free personal care for more than 6 weeks after discharge without primary legislation.

David Rendel MP voted against this amendment - but it was passed with Conservative support.

Commenting on the debate, Mr Rendel said:

"Personal care should be free. I was bitterly disappointed to see Conservative and Labour MPs join forces to try to prevent a future Government introducing free personal care.

"Liberal Democrats in Government in Scotland have insisted on introducing free care. As a result, the elderly in Scotland are treated with dignity and not discrimination. People in West Berkshire and England as a whole deserve the same deal."