Carers complain free personal care is inconsistent

Care professionals appeared before the health committee on Tuesday to outline their concerns about the legislation which was introduced in 2002.

Alzheimer Scotland, Scottish Care and Age Concern Scotland called for provision to be extended.

But the councils' umbrella group Cosla said there was a range of pressures on councils which could create a backlog.

Alzheimer Scotland said it found it "very difficult" that young people were missing out, while Scottish Care said every person who needs free personal care should receive it.

I'm surprised that waiting lists seem to be appearing Mike Rumbles MSP

Cosla policy officer Alan McKeown said: "We know from some of our members that they are a net-importer of elderly people coming to retire.

"Unless there's an exodus of people who they're already funding, there is a backlog.

"The reality is without the resources you can't do it."

Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles said councils could be breaking the law if they failed to provide free personal care because of funding problems.

Care services

Mr Rumbles said it had been made clear that once someone was assessed as being in need of free personal care, they were entitled to it by law.

"I'm therefore surprised that waiting lists seem to be appearing," he added.

"It can't be a defence in law, I would have thought, for the council to turn round and say 'I'm sorry we can't provide you with this legal entitlement because we don't have the money'," he said.