MSP calls on Frank’s Law to be delivered in full
A “lousy” decision to cut funding for Frank’s Law in South Ayrshire is being questioned by MSPs.
The legislation came into force in April to extend free personal care to those who need it aged under 65.
But the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership ( HSCP) cut £ 315,000 set aside for the law in order to balance its budget.
Now finances are being closely scrutinised to make sure care is delivered to patients using all services.
MSP Colin Smyth has written to the council and the Integration Joint Board ( IJB), which oversees the partnership.
Mr Smyth demands “assurances that Frank’s Law will be delivered in full across the region.”
He said: “As a long time supporter of Frank’s Law I don’t believe anyone facing what are often debilitating conditions should have to pay for their care. This is an issue about equality.”
Criticising the funding cut, MSP Brian Whittle who supported the Law said: “The ink is barely dry on the bill before an SNP run council is backing out.”
He said: “It’s a lousy decision that risks making life harder for some of our most vulnerable people.”
Frank’s Law came about following a six- year campaign from footballer Frank Kopel’s widow Amanda. Mr Kopel was diagnosed with dementia aged 59 and had to pay for care.
Councillor Brian McGinley who chairs the Integration Joint Board said cash flow must be monitored so all patients’ needs are met.
He said: “This budget, although balanced, will need to be monitored very closely to make sure that the IJB is able to deliver within the finite resources it has been allocated and to meet too the needs of our patients and citizens.
“This will be no easy task as the demand for services exponentially increases, redesign takes time and responsibilities on the board increase.
“To help us in this task, we have set up a regular three - way meeting with the council and the health board to seek ways to address the demand that cannot be delivered within the current financial allocation.”
The HSCP has racked up £ 3.27 million debt. South Ayrshire Council has provided it with a loan to ensure services keep running.