Scottish Liberal Democrats table amendment to erase SNP power grab "for good"

Scottish Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment that would rename the SNP’s National Care Service Bill in a bid to “erase the last traces of this ministerial power grab for good”.

The amendment tabled by party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP would rename the legislation the Care and Carers Bill.

Scottish Liberal Democrats were the only party which stood against the SNP's centralisation from day one.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

"Care is in crisis in Scotland. Thousands aren't getting the care they need, staff have been let down and family carers are desperate for more support.

"It's why it's so frustrating that the SNP have wasted four years and £30 million on the wrong solution. It's time to erase the last traces of this ministerial power grab for good, because we need the Scottish Government to get on with the job of fixing care in our country.

"This failed SNP centralisation attempt doesn't deserve to have legislation that still bears its name. The reforms that staff and service users need are better off without the spin. By renaming the legislation Parliament can send a clear message to care workers, care users and the legions of unpaid carers that they are what really matters.  

"The Liberal Democrats are the party of care. We introduced free personal care in Scotland, enshrined the right to carers leave in employment law, and have just won a change that will enable family carers to earn more. Ed Davey put it at the heart of our manifesto and opened up on his life as a carer.  

"Carers – paid and unpaid, young and old – do a remarkable and important job. They deserve far more support, but are too often forgotten and ignored. It's why our plans would see care workers properly rewarded, high quality care for everyone who needs it and unpaid carers given the fair deal they deserve."