Local campaign for elderly care gets boost from charity

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 13th May 2001

The local Liberal Democrats' campaign for free long-term care for the elderly received a boost recently when the results of opinion polls on the issue were revealed by the King's Fund.

This shows that 2/3 of the public support the Liberal Democrat position, and many say that they will switch to vote for a party which supports this policy.

Local Liberal Democrat candidate, Gareth Hartwell, has led the campaign for free personal care for elderly people in nursing homes and care homes. Under the current system, personal care is free in hospitals but those cared for out of hospital, such as sufferers from Alzheimer's or stroke victims have to pay for personal care. Despite a recommendation from an independent Royal Commission that this care should be free, the Labour Government have refused to back down in England. However, they have backed down in Scotland under pressure from the Liberal Democrats who hold the balance of power in the Scottish Assembly.

On Saturday, the campaign returned to Hounslow with lots of local residents adding their name to the campaign petition. In addition, 17,000 petition forms are currently being delivered by Lib Dem volunteers through letterboxes across the constituency. Alternatively, readers can add them name at the stall in Chiswick High Road, opposite Turnham Green, on Saturday 21st May or back in Hounslow on Saturday 28th May.