Inquiry launched into free personal care

The Scottish parliament’s health committee has launched an inquiry into the country’s free personal care for older people policy.

The committee has issued an open call for written evidence on how the policy, introduced in 2002, is working in practice and whether it is delivering what was promised.

The inquiry will cover the Care Commission inspection regime with committee members joining the commission to observe care home inspections.

The committee will also hold round table sessions with stakeholders and sponsor research into the low take-up in Scotland of direct payments.

Committee convener Roseanna Cunningham said members were particularly keen to hear from “consumers” of free personal care.

Submissions deadline is 10 February 2006.

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