Care home bosses accused of ripping off pensioners

By Martin Graham

CARE home bosses have been slammed for charging some Scots pensioners almost double the amount for their services as they charge local authorities.

Critics have said the practice is unfair and claim that OAPs are being drained out of their hard earned savings.

Older people living in care homes receive a contribution towards their costs under the free personal care scheme.

Residents with more than £22,750 in assets have to pay for their accommodation themselves, and any equity in their home is included in the calculation.

Bailed-out RBS offer free coffee and cash to Americans

By Michael MacLeod

ROYAL Bank of Scotland is dishing out free dollars and drinks at Dunkin Donuts to its American customers – while going cap-in-hand to the UK Government asking for more bail-out cash.

The financial giant owns USA-based Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank, which are currently offering $220 (£120) to anyone who opens a new account.

Citizens Bank has even opened a branch in a Boston Dunkin Donuts outlet, offering a month-long free coffee subscription with new accounts.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance hit out at the “super gold-plating” of American customers.

They claimed it was “insulting” to offer the sweeteners to American customers while UK taxpayers’ money is being used to prop up RBS.