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Why Do Scottish Get Free Care But English Don’t?

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Elderly couple in front of Union Jack, symbolising the unfair difference in care costs between Scotland and England — Why do Scottish get free care but English don’t?

It’s a question that’s been asked time and time again: Why do Scottish get free care but English don’t? We all live under the same government. We all pay the same taxes. So why are families in England being forced to sell their homes to pay for care, while people in Scotland receive care for free?

It’s not just unfair — it’s deeply unjust. And it’s time we talked about it.

How Is the System So Different Within the Same UK?

In Scotland, since 2002, personal and nursing care has been free for everyone aged 65 and over, regardless of income or savings. That includes help with dressing, washing, and medical assistance provided in residential or nursing homes. This policy was introduced following recommendations from the Sutherland Report, and it’s funded by the Scottish Government through general taxation.

In England, things couldn’t be more different.

English pensioners can face care bills of up to £1,000 per week. And if they have savings or assets over £23,250, including the value of their home, they’re expected to cover the full cost of their care — even if it means selling the very home they worked their whole lives to own.

Meanwhile, Scotland raised its capital limit to £32,750 and still provides free personal care regardless. The difference is staggering.

Why Do Scottish Get Free Care But English Don’t?

The answer lies not just in politics — but in how the people of Scotland demanded better. When university tuition fees were introduced, Scottish students protested and pushed back. Today, Scottish students attend university for free, while English students rack up debts averaging £45,000.

When council tax became disproportionately high, the Scottish Government froze it for years. Meanwhile, in England, council tax continues to rise year after year — now averaging £2,065 per year for a Band D property.

Time and again, Scottish residents have taken a stand. And it’s worked.

The Real Cost for English Families

Let’s not sugarcoat this: care in England is financially devastating for many families. According to Age UK, over 143,000 people in England are currently self-funding their residential care — many of them by selling their homes. That’s not including the thousands more paying for home care privately each week.

And here’s the brutal truth: your home could be sold to pay for care unless you take steps now.

English People Need to Stop Waiting and Start Acting

While Scotland demanded fair care, free university education, and lower council tax, England has largely accepted the system as it is. We procrastinate. We assume someone else will fix it. But no one’s coming to save us — especially not when the government profits from our inaction.

It’s time we followed Scotland’s example. It’s time we protected ourselves — and our families — from losing everything we’ve worked for.

Protect Your Home From Being Sold to Pay for Care

There are legal ways to protect your home and estate from future care fees — but you must act before care is needed.

Request a free estate planning review today to find out how you can:

  • Protect your home from care fees

  • Avoid your family being forced to sell the house

  • Pass on your estate the way you want

Click here to book your free online estate planning review now