Frank’s Law bid open to public submissions

Scottish Government examining extending free personal care to under-65s

People now have a chance to make their case for Frank’s Law in the corridors of power at Holyrood.

The public are being invited to contribute to the Scottish Government’s feasibility study into the extension of free personal care to people under the age of 65 with life-changing conditions.

A July 2 closing date has been given for contributions which will be “carefully considered” with the results due to report in the summer.

Amanda Kopel, the widow of the former Dundee United left back Frank Kopel, has spearheaded the campaign, which is backed by The Courier.

Mr Kopel and his wife paid around £300 a week for him to have personal care in his Kirriemuir home after he was diagnosed with dementia aged 59.

He was eligible for just 19 days of free personal care before his death in April 2014 despite living with the illness for nearly six years.

Mrs Kopel said: “Over the last four years since the campaign began I have been in meetings with various MSPs, party leaders and Cabinet Ministers trying to get justice, fairness and equality for the under-65s in Scotland.

“Sadly some of these meetings have resulted in the same excuses of why Frank’s Law is not affordable or feasible.

“Remember that no one knows when ill health may come to our door and that no disability, illness, disease or condition waits until a person reaches 65, then strikes.

“I am battling for Frank’s Law for everyone under 65, no matter what political party they may support, their creed, colour or gender.”

A series of councils, including each of Angus, Dundee, Fife, and Perth and Kinross, have also backed the bid.

Scottish Conservative Miles Briggs has vowed to bring a member’s bill forward in the summer if the Scottish Government decides against changing the law.

The aims and objectives of the feasibility study are to provide robust and credible estimates of the cost to extend free personal care to under-65s in Scotland and assess the potential implications of this policy.

Contributions can be sent by email to adultsocialcare@gov.scot or by post to Adult Social Care Policy Team, Scottish Government, St Andrew’s House, Regent Road, Edinburgh.

Amanda Kopel has spearheaded the campaign in honour of her late husband Frank.

Frank’s Law The Courier supports