Local authorities are wrongly charging terminally ill people for personal care, according to a new report from MIND Scotland.
The charity is warning that many people under 65 years with Motor Neurone Disease are being charged by their local council for personal care, despite COSLA guidance stating those with a terminal illness should not have to pay.
The report finds those under 65 years old face a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to personal care charging as it is up to each local authority if someone should make a financial contribution. It revealed that some local authorities waive charges if a person has a letter or DS1500 form from their doctor, while some only allow for ‘discretion’ in charging.
MND Scotland is calling for all local authorities to make all terminally ill people exempt from personal care charging. It also wants COSLA to amend its guidance so a doctor’s letter or DS1500 will be accepted as evidence that a person is terminally ill.
