Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Lynne Featherstone has attacked Haringey’s Labour MPs for failing to back Liberal Democrat plans to scrap the charges for personal care for the elderly.

The Government’s Community Care (Delayed Discharge) Bill had initially contained a power that would allow any future Government to introduce free personal care quickly by regulations without a new Act of Parliament.The Government, in which both local MPs serve, however, tabled an amendment to restrict free care to no more than six weeks after discharge.A future Government committed to introducing free personal care would now have to amend the law.

Commenting on the move, Lynne Featherstone said:

“It is very disappointing to see Haringey’s MPs lined up against free personal care for the elderly. It should be available on the basis of need. It is not a luxury, and would simply free help with feeding, dressing, washing and intimate care.

“In supporting the Government’s callous move, Haringey’s Labour MP seem to favour the prospect of our elderly citizens losing their homes to pay for personal care. This is in marked contrast to Scotland, where the Lib Dems have ensured that the elderly will be treated with dignity should they fall ill.”