Health - Michael Howard is proposing to spend billions on subsidising people to opt out of the NHS at the tax-payer's expense

2.37.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 11th Jul 2004

Charles Kennedy says local services should be responsive to local priorities

Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats recently stated: "When it comes to the public services, choice is just one element in the debate. We Liberal Democrats would say that there should be 'choice for all'. But what I believe people really want is quality public services available locally, not false 'choice'.

For the Conservatives, the 'choice' mantra is a mask. It's a way of disguising their real agenda. Michael Howard is proposing to spend billions on subsidising people to opt out of the NHS at the tax-payer's expense."

Charles Kennedy continued that reform must not be driven from Whitehall, saying politicians must:

"Liberate public service staff to get on with their jobs. And second, to make local services responsive to local priorities. Local people are best placed to make that assessment."

Mr Kennedy addressed specifically the issue of care of the elderly:

"In his attack on Michael Howard's rhetoric of 'the right to choose', the Prime Minister dubbed it 'the right to charge.'...Yet when it comes to care of the elderly, Labour too support a right to charge. For the frail elderly in need of basic care: feeding, dressing, washing - for them dignity comes at a price. Dignity in old age should not be determined by the size of your bank balance. That is why Liberal Democrats would scrap the charges for personal care, wherever it is provided."