The latest statistics showing the take-up and costs of free personal and nursing care for 2003-04 and 2004-05 have been published.

The policy of providing free personal and nursing care continues to deliver results, Deputy Health Minister Lewis Macdonald said.

The figures show:
- At September 2005 almost 8,900 self funders in Care Homes were receiving free personal care - 29 per cent more than on introduction at July 2002. A further 40,900 people were in receipt of free personal care at home - 69 per cent more than in July 2002
- Expenditure on self-funders receiving free personal and nursing care in Care Homes was £80 million in 2003-04 rising to £84 million in 2004-05. This is all new expenditure arising as a result of this policy
- Expenditure on clients receiving personal care services at home was £116 million in 2003-04 rising to £136 million in 2004-05. This is not all new funding as local authorities provided many people with personal care services for free prior to the policy
- The additional funding provided to councils to cover the additional costs of the policy is £143 million in 2003-04 and £147 million in 2004-05

Mr Macdonald said:
"As the recent Joseph Rowntree report found, Free Personal and Nursing Care policy has been successful in improving the quality of life of our older people.

"It has removed the financial concerns that many of them had. Before its introduction many people had to pay for the type of care they now receive for free. It not only helps older people but provides peace of mind to their families and support to their carers.

"Costs have risen, but we have always recognised and budgeted for the rise in the elderly population. This policy benefits thousands of older people and we remain committed to delivering free personal and nursing care for those who need it."

Research is under way looking into how the free personal and nursing care policy operates and its impact. This includes the range of services provided, their quality and their costs as well as what the policy has achieved so far. This is expected to conclude by the end of 2006.