78,000 Scots getting free personal care benefits

New figures published today showing 78,000 people in Scotland are benefiting from free personal and nursing care shows the benefits of decisions being made in Scotland, an SNP MSP has said.

The Scottish Government figures highlight the importance of free personal care to vulnerable people and their families across Scotland – as well as the dangers posed to this vital policy by Johann Lamont’s Cuts Commission.

Labour’s ‘Together We Can’ document published at the party’s conference last month failed to rule out cuts to free personal care – after the policy was originally targeted by Johann Lamont as part of her infamous ‘something for nothing’ speech.

Commenting, SNP MSP Aileen McLeod said:

“Today’s figures are a welcome confirmation of the importance of free personal care to tens of thousands of people and families across the country – and show the benefits of decisions affecting Scotland being taken in Scotland.

“The progress of devolution on issues like this should not be put at risk by the Cuts Commission of the Labour leadership – Johann Lamont needs to immediately rule out any cuts to free personal care in Scotland.

“Where we have had the powers to do so in devolved areas like health, the Scottish Parliament has taken positive decisions to improve the lives of people in Scotland.

“With a Yes vote we will have the power to take action in every policy area – from welfare to taxation – and make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous country.”