21 June 2002
The author of the government's review of long-term health care trends, told CIPFA delegates in Brighton on June 13 that it was unlikely that Westminster would mirror the Scottish Executive's decision, because it would be too costly.
He said that the government must consider the cost of every demographic factor involved, such as the rapidly increasing number of elderly patients and the subsequent rising cost of pensions.
'The cost of health care, social care and pensions are demographic factors that must be taken together. If they are, then free care for the elderly is probably not sustainable in the long term'.
The Scottish Executive has yet to roll out its system.
PFjun2002
