27 November 2009
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

Scots budget cuts may force means testing


Mark Conrad

The most senior social worker in Scotland has warned the country may soon be forced to switch to a system of means tested elderly care.

Harriet Dempster, president of the Association of Directors of Social Work, has told the BBC that expected cuts to public budgets meant the policy of free elderly – one of Scotland’s flagship programmes since devolution – may have to end soon.

Ms Dempster believes that the combination of Scotland’s ageing population and the tight public spending climate could spell the end of a system that currently costs the Scottish government £358m per year.

She indicated that free services might in future focus on the most vulnerable, while some older people could be required to pay.

‘It’s really questioning whether the policy in the medium and longer term is viable and I’m asking that we have a discussion and debate about that now.’



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