Party split on demand for return of care funding
Labour declines to support call for pursuit of attendance allowance money from Westminster
A debate in the Scottish Parliament today is likely to see a split on party lines on the question whether the Scottish Government should seek the reinstatement by Westminster of the attendance allowance for those coming under the freepersonal care system.
The allowance was withdrawn when free personal care was introduced in Scotland. Lord Sutherland's recent report into how personal care had worked recommended that Westminster return the money - some £30 million annually. This would cover about 75% of the shortfall in the current system.
The motion before Holyrood the Scottish Government to pursue vigorously the reinstatement of the funding. However Labour MSPs will not be supporting the call. Shadow Health Secretary Margaret Curran said that Scotland's best interests would be served by working constructively with Westminster and not taking part in "narrow-minded disputes".
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