The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Victory at last
Amanda Kopel’s delight as Nicola Sturgeon pledges to implement Frank’s Law
The widow of a Dundee United legend says she can finally grieve for her late husband after the First Minister pledged to “fully implement” Frank’s Law.
Nicola Sturgeon promised to end age discrimination in the care system by extending free support to under-65s as she outlined her programme for government yesterday.
It is a major triumph for Amanda Kopel, who has spent more than four years fighting for justice for dementia patients and their families.
The campaign, which was backed by The Courier, is run in honour of Frank Kopel, the Tannadice left-back who passed away with dementia aged 65 in 2014.
Amanda said: “I have kept my promise to Frankie. Now I feel I can finally grieve for my husband.”
Ms Sturgeon told MSPs yesterday afternoon she would extend the SNP’s flagship free personal care scheme.
“I am pleased to announce that we will now begin work to fully implement Frank’s Law,” she said.
Scottish Government insiders estimate the cost of implementing Frank’s Law at about £50 million a year, but could not give a commitment on when it will reach the statute books.
Miles Briggs, Scottish Conservative MSP, who was trying to make it law through a Member’s Bill, welcomed the move from the SNP administration.
“I urge ministers to set out a clear timetable for the implementation of the extension of free personal care, and I will be seeking an early meeting with them to pin them down on these details,” he said.
He paid tribute to Amanda for her “determined, high-profile and consistently dignified campaigning”, adding that The Courier’s support was a “great example of campaigning journalism at its best”.
Earlier, the long-awaited Scottish Government feasibility study warned that any extension must ensure “clients are not financially disadvantaged” by any impact on benefits eligibility.
Health secretary Shona Robison commented that the efforts of Amanda and campaigners across Courier Country had been “crucial in shaping our approach”.