The government is hailing as "a significant day" the introduction of free personal care for more than 75,000 elderly people in Scotland.

The new system has been welcomed by charities even though it creates a disparity with England and Wales where the rules remain unchanged.

Previously, the elderly were entitled to help with their nursing costs but not personal care, which includes washing and dressing.

Personal care charges for those living in their their own homes have been abolished.

While I cannot guarantee every case is ready as of today, everyone is determined to ensure that this works for our older people

Malcolm Chisholm Scottish health minister

For those in residential and nursing homes, weekly payments of �145 and �210 respectively are introduced.

Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell said: "Free personal and nursing care is happening today because it is a promise we made to Scotland's older people and because we believe that it is the right thing to do.

"This is now a core policy for the devolved government in Scotland and one which we plan to deliver consistently in the years to come."

'Follow Scotland's example'

The general secretary of the public services union Unison, Dave Prentis, said: "We are calling on the Blair government to follow Scotland's example and make personal care free for all."

Age Concern Scotland director Maureen O'Neill welcomed the change but warned: "We are receiving regular inquiries from people who are unsure about the new policy and what it will mean to them.

"It is of paramount importance that the policy is delivered effectively and without delay.

Some cases may not be ready

"The resources, the systems and the services must all be in place to make this work.

"If not, older people will feel let down and disillusioned about the promises made to them."

Health minister Malcolm Chisholm said staff across Scotland had risen to the challenge of implementing the "momentous" policy.

"They have reviewed charges for older people, taken hundreds of inquiries and spoken to many older people about their entitlements," he said.

Ministers' about-turn

"While I cannot guarantee every case is ready as of today, everyone is determined to ensure that this works for our older people."

Free personal and nursing care was first recommended in a report by Sir Stewart Sutherland in March 1999 but the Scottish Executive refused to adopt the entire proposals.

In January 2001, the executive performed a U-turn minutes before it looked like losing a crucial parliamentary vote.

Thousands are set to benefit

Nine months later, the then First Minister Henry McLeish promised to implement the full recommendations but in January 2002 the plan was delayed to allow councils more preparation time.

In February, parliament passed the legislation to put the system into place.

Mr McConnell visited a day centre in Glasgow where he said: "Lord Sutherland and his royal commission wanted a fairer policy for all older people, and we are delivering that.

"I am proud that on the third anniversary of our parliament, we have been able to make that a reality for our older people."

'Disastrous' claim

Labour peer Lord Lipsey, who sat on the Sutherland commission, disagreed with its findings and on Monday repeated his assertion that the policy would be "disastrous".

Scottish ministers say they are providing �250m over this year and next to local authorities for the cost of the new system.

But concerns persist about confusion surrounding what is a "nursing" cost and what is a "personal care" cost.

One example is whether or not a person was being given a personal bath - which would have to be paid for - or a medical bath, which would be free.

Range of functions

The executive estimates that more than 75,000 people will benefit from free personal care.

It says this can cover personal hygiene like bathing, showering and hair washing.

The classification can also include help with eating, immobility, counselling and support services, help with dressings and help in being put to bed.