Ruling may herald end to waiting lists

Scottish councils may be unable to operate waiting lists for free personal care following a landmark ombudsman’s ruling last week.

The decision by the Scottish public services ombudsman to uphold the claim of Mr C that Argyll & Bute Council was wrong to withhold funding for five months from his 90- year-old father suggests councils will now have to fund free care regardless of whether money is available.

It could also leave councils – about half of which are operating waiting lists – facing claims from hundreds of other clients wrongly denied funding.

A Scottish parliament health committee report unearthed a £79m gap between executive funding and the cost of services.

Further information
Scottish Public Services Omburdsman