The Health and Community Care (Scotland) Bill, containing the proposals to introduce free personal care, should become law on Wednesday as it meets its third and crucial stage in the Scottish parliament.

The bill also contains a package of other community care changes including more community supports, greater choice of service and inclusion of carers in service plans. The bill is expected to pass through the third stage by a large majority if not unanimous vote, despite UK Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith, saying last week that the Scottish Tories should change their approach and oppose free personal care.

The changes are scheduled to be introduced on 1 July this year.