Legislation to implement Frank’s Law in Scotland has been given the green light by MSPs, nearly a year after the campaign was formally launched at Holyrood. It means the new rules – allowing under 65s with conditions like dementia to receive free personal care – will be in place by April next year.
Shadow health secretary Miles Briggs brought forward a private member’s bill last year on the issue, and the legislation was rubber stamped by Holyrood’s Health Committee last week. Now the legislation has been put in place, he said it was up to the SNP government to deliver.
The campaign is named after former Dundee Untied footballer Frank Kopel, who passed away at the age of 65 having suffered from dementia for many years, but was too young to qualify for support. His wife Amanda is behind the campaign.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said: “Today is a good day for those who need Frank’s Law. Almost a year after I launched my Frank’s Law bill in parliament I’m pleased to approve the legislation to make it happen at the committee.
“There still remain a number of concerns over the policy being adequately funded and councils across Scotland delivering it. But this is a step forward in ending the discrimination for people under the age of 65 in Scotland who need help with personal care.
“The campaign has been solely down to the determination of my friend Amanda Kopel and all of the Frank’s Army campaigners.
“What is now important is we see progress to deliver the financial package needed by councils and that we are able to make sure there’s flexibility around this additional funding which may be needed.
“For too many people in Scotland, Frank’s Law is needed today and was needed yesterday.”
Amanda Kopel added: “I am pleased to have Shona Robison and Cllr Peter Johnston from COSLA confirm in writing to me today that they are committed to implementing Frank’s Law on April 1, 2019 as promised.
“I am still cautious about this promise as, in the past, words have not always been followed up by actions, but hopefully this clarification will ease those concerns.
“I will keep pressure up on the SNP until April 1 next year when Frank’s Law will be set in stone.
“I am however extremely saddened for those people under the age of 65 who need Frank’s Law now and will not be around to see it implemented next year.”
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