Highland MSP calls for end to care postcode lottery
A HIGHLAND MSP has highlighted the huge array of charges for care at home that are charged by Scotland’s local authorities.
Mary Scanlon, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands and party spokesperson for health, has highlighted the discrepencies in a speech in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday).
She said that the differences in charges are "not on" and that the Scottish Government should tackle the matter with the councils.
She said: "There are discrepancies and a clear postcode lottery applying in the most basic element of the charging policy by councils, for example the hourly rate for care in your own home.
"In Angus the hourly rate can be as much as £22.10, while in West Lothian it is only £7.76 per hour.
"Closer to home Highland Council are charging £15.63 per hour but neighbouring Moray Council charge almost one third less at £10.70 an hour.
"It is a real cause for concern that the same service in Angus can cost three times as much as in West Lothian and someone living in Nairn will be paying their authority almost £5 an hour more than someone in Forres.
"People who require care at home will rightly question why there is such a variance in the cost of these services and should not have to worry about which council they get their care from when they are considering their options.
"These figures clearly show there is a postcode lottery for care at home and it’s not on.
"I hope the Scottish Government will urgently discuss these large variances in the cost of care with councils so people can rightly concentrate on getting better rather than worrying about what charge for care their post code will incur."
