COST OF RESIDENTIAL CARE

Early day motion 193, tabled 18 July 2001 by Hywel Williams (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 80 members.

That this House is concerned about the huge bills faced by residents, or relatives of residents, of residential homes; notes that nursing care is free but that personal care is charged for; also notes with concern that this division lacks clarity and will lead to disputes and complications between the NHS and social services; further notes that the Royal Commission judged this kind of divide as being cumbersome and complex and recommended that all care be free, with only the upkeep costs to be paid; calls on the Government to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission that all care should be free; and notes that if individuals have to pay for this increased level of personal care, it is like a stealth tax both on being sick and being elderly.

Signatures by party: Labour 56, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 4, Conservative 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, DUP 1.