Free Personal Care in Scotland. Recent Developments, York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2007

This report examines the operation of the free personal care policy in Scotland, and considers its impact, problems and limitations. Looking primarily from a local authority perspective, the study suggests possible reasons for increases in demand for care. Although the policy has wide public support, local authorities report that misunderstandings remain, for example, concerning whether meal preparation is free. The study also investigates why there is so much variation between local authorities – some controlling expenditure successfully but others having diffi culty meeting the costs of the policy. The study is based on analysis of statistical data since 2002 and on a series of interviews conducted from August to October 2006 with local authorities and the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care. This publication can be provided in other formats, such as large print, Braille and audio. Please contact