A leading charity has slammed the government's policy on the long-term care of the elderly.

As Scotland introduces a system of free personal care, Help the Aged has accused the government of adopting an "unfair" policy south of the border.

In Scotland, elderly patients will be entitled to totally free care - both nursing and personal. In England, however, patients will have to pay for "personal services" such as food and washing.

The charity claims the disparity in provision will prove "unworkable" and is urging the government to think again.

"Help the Aged is pleased that the Scottish Parliament has recognised that free personal care is no less than older people deserve," said the organisation's policy officer Jonathan Ellis."The government's long term care policy is unfair and unworkable, particularly in light of the new situation north of the Scottish border."

Ellis has called on the government to "swallow its pride" and follow the Scottish example.

A government spokesman said that ministers were simply following the recommendations of the independent commission on long-term care.

The spokesman added that "seven out of 10 people already get some or all of their personal care costs paid for by the state" because they cannot afford to meet the costs themselves.