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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Progress made in care homes talks

18/01/2002

Significant progress has been made this morning in the latest round of talks between the Scottish Executive and COSLA on levels of care home funding in Scotland.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm and Deputy Minister Hugh Henry met with COSLA leaders in Edinburgh this morning.

COSLA has agreed to take formal proposals away from today's meeting for discussion with local authority leaders next week.

Importantly, both the Executive and COSLA are agreed that there is 'no argument' over the level of fees proposed by the expert review group that reported in December. Detailed discussions are ongoing on how increases are to be funded.

Mr Chishom said:

"This morning's negotiations have resulted in significant progress being made. We have moved on substantively since last week. COSLA and the Executive have no argument about the increased level of fees being proposed by the review group. Our negotiations are very much focussed on how in partnership we fund these increases.

"I want to assure the care home sector that very significant additional resources are being brought to the table. I am pleased that COSLA have agreed to take formal proposals to a meeting of local authority leaders next week. There are still clearly detailed discussions to be completed but I hope we will be in a position to make further announcements once COSLA has discussed the situation with their members."

Page updated: Thursday, July 22, 2004