Bill lodged to make Frank’s Law a reality
29 Jun 2017
A bill to introduce Frank’s Law – a guarantee that under 65s with conditions like dementia receive free personal care – has been officially lodged.
Shadow health secretary Miles Briggs was joined in Holyrood today by Amanda Kopel, the wife of former footballer Frank, who died three years ago having been diagnosed with dementia at the age of 59.
The member’s bill will allow MSPs to vote on introducing the legislation, which is now supported by all opposition parties.
Some SNP MSPs – including former health secretary Alex Neil – are also keen on the move, even if the party itself has refused to offer support generally.
The bill will open for consultation next week.
Earlier this year, Miles said he would launch the bill if the Scottish Government failed to act.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Miles Briggs said:
“I was delighted to welcome Amanda Kopel to the Scottish Parliament today to mark the lodging of my Member’s Bill proposal to implement Frank’s Law.
“Amanda’s passionate and dedicated campaigning on this issue has been inspirational.
“The consultation on the bill proposal will go live next week and I hope that as many organisations and individuals as possible will take part to demonstrate the level of support for Frank’s Law.
“The aim is simple: to end the age discrimination that currently exists whereby under 65s with life limiting conditions do not qualify for free personal care but over 65s do.
“April 16 marked the third anniversary of Frank Kopel’s death.
“It is a shocking indictment that in some parts of Scotland today, terminally ill patients under the age of 65 are being charged for the help they need with basic things like washing, dressing and feeding themselves.
“We want to see this change and I am pleased that all opposition parties in this parliament have committed to supporting the policy meaning there is a majority in Holyrood for Frank’s Law.”
The Scottish Conservatives have consistently supported the campaign for Frank’s Law: http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/03/franks-law-members-bill-to-launch-in-summer/ http://www.scottishconservatives.com/2017/01/bill-on-franks-law-to-be-brought-forward-if-snp-drags-heels/