Claims charities being sidelined

Scottish Government’s feasibility study into Frank’s Law failing to seek views of health campaigners, say Tories

Fears have been raised that the health secretary is leaving experts in the cold as she investigates extending free personal care.

A campaign fought in memory of Dundee United legend Frank Kopel demands that under-65s with debilitating conditions are given the same rights to free personal care as older people.

Miles Briggs, for the Scottish Conservatives, ambushed Shona Robison during a Holyrood debate on social care with claims that the Government’s feasibility study is letting Frank’s Law campaigners down by sidelining charities.

He said several charities in the field have not been contacted by the Government to contribute to the study, which is due to be published in the summer, and called on ministers to be more proactive.

“Campaigners are becoming more and more frustrated with the lack of progress under this SNP Government,” Mr Briggs said.

“Frank’s Law is needed today – it was needed yesterday – and we cannot let the SNP kick this issue into the long grass.”

He added: “I have major concerns that this is already looking like being an ill-informed and limited study.”

Ms Robison, who represents Dundee East, responded by saying officials are “already meeting with a number of organisations”, adding the “door is open” to others.

She has said the feasibility study is “on track” to be completed this summer, ahead of making an informed decision.

Frank was 59 when he was diagnosed with dementia and his family had to pay about £300 a week to support him.

When he turned 65, he was eligible for just 19 days of free personal care before his death in 2014.

Amanda Kopel, Frank’s widow, has spearheaded the campaign, which is backed by The Courier.

The Scottish Conservative amended motion before MSPs yesterday urged the SNP Government to “take action on Frank’s Law”. But the Tory amendment, which included the plea and other demands, was rejected by Holyrood.

A Scottish Greens motion amended by the Scottish Government, which said that extending free personal care to those under 65 is being considered by ministers, was passed instead, by 82 votes to 28. The Greens had also called on the Scottish Government to scrap all social care charges.

Ms Robison said the Government is “making progress in improving the system of charging for social care” and is committed to raising carer’s allowance to the same level as jobseeker’s allowance.

Frank’s Law is needed today – and we cannot let the SNP kick this issue into the long grass

Former Dundee United defender Frank Kopel, with wife Amanda, was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 59. He died soon after turning 65.