Thousands hit by care cuts!
17th September 2006 - Andrew McLean
Liberal Democrats have condemned crisis-hit Dorset County Council for their latest plans to slash services for the elderly and infirm.
The Conservative-run Council are proposing to stop as many as a thousand vulnerable local people from receiving home care and they are introducing new charges for the use of day care centres. In future only people with substantial or critical needs will get free home care. Those with moderate needs (who are currently able to get help) will be left without support.
“The County are removing a vital safety net,” says Bridport Councillor Karl Wallace. “Many vulnerable people are only kept in the moderate needs category because they get support. Without this help they will soon end up in hospital or in the critical category.”
In addition those visiting day care centres face being charged £5 per visit in the future on top of existing charges for transport, meals and snacks.
“These charges will force elderly and disabled people to stay at home where they face being cut off from much needed support, as well as not being able to meet up with friends,” added Karl. These cuts are aimed at saving £1 million a year but County Council officers have already confirmed that Dorset spends less on older people’s social services than similar Shire councils.
“The elderly and infirm are being asked to pay for the mistakes made by the Conservatives in running County Hall where staffing costs have spiralled and a number of large projects are well over budget,” concluded Karl.
