PRESS RELEASE

18 March 2002

OTTAWAY CHALLENGES LIB DEMS TO COME CLEAN ABOUT LONG TERM CARE FOR THE ELDERLY

Richard Ottaway has asked the Liberal Democrats in Croydon to state publicly how their pledge to secure free personal and nursing care for the elderly in long-term care homes will be achieved (see letter below).

Richard Ottaway says:-

"This policy inevitably means day care homes will close and home help cut."

"The Liberal Democrats have admitted that the cost of providing long-term personal care free in England and Wales will be considerable. How then, with their Leader ruling out tax rises, will these considerable costs be met? The Liberals don't bother to make their sums add up as they know they have no hope of winning an election."

"However, this type of campaigning by the Liberal Democrats is irresponsible. They are targeting a vulnerable group with their scare-mongering without giving them the full facts. Under the circumstances I call on Cllr Atkins to come clean about the Liberal Democrats' policy on the care of elderly people and state publicly how they intend to fund it."

Ends.

If you require any further information, please call 020 7219 6392.

Letter to Councillor Atkins

Dear Councillor Atkins

Long Term Care for the Elderly

Following the circulation of your letter in Coulsdon campaigning for free long term care for the elderly in England and Wales, I would he grateful if you could answer the following questions:-

1. What will the cost to the taxpayer be to implement this policy?

2. Given that the Liberal Democrats have now ruled out tax rises, where will the cuts in the care for the elderly budget come from?

The logical consequence of your policy is a reduction in day care homes and home help. I would be grateful if you could state which homes you intend to close in the Borough.

As you are aware, these things have a profound impact on the elderly and I ask that you state publicly your position on this.

Yours sincerely

Richard Ottaway MP