Ian SwalesMP for Redcar |
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LIB DEMS CALL FOR URGENT REVIEW OF CUTS TO HOMECALL
May 22, 2012 12:01 PM
The Liberal Democrat Group on Redcar and Cleveland Council have called on the ruling Labour Group to review cuts to services for elderly and vulnerable people.
The withdrawal of the 'Homecall' contract, currently worth £680,000 to social housing provider Coast and Country, will see thousands of residents charged for the crucial pull-cord lifeline which allows them to live independently. Liberal Democrats fear that removing the subsidy will endanger the freedom and security of the Borough's most vulnerable and could bring an end to the service altogether.
Cllr Mary Ovens, Liberal Democrat Group Deputy Leader and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, has today written to Council Leader George Dunning and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Sheelagh Clarke, imploring them to reconsider this potentially damaging decision.
In March this year Grant Shapps, Minister for Housing and Local Government, wrote to council leaders to inform them that although funding was no longer ring-fenced, the budget for Supporting People had not been significantly reduced and that councils were still expected to invest in housing-related support services.
Cllr Ovens commented:
"This decision by the Labour Group will leave vulnerable people isolated and alone; at risk of losing their independence.
"The policy could see thousands of vulnerable people abandoned by the Council they rely on for support.
"I urge the Council to think again on this."
Ian Swales, MP for Redcar added:
"It seems counterproductive to remove a service that enables people to continue living independently in their own homes particularly in light of the Council's long term social care policy.
"I hope the Council will reconsider this decision in light of the letter from Housing Minister Grant Shapps, which established the maintenance of budgets for this area."
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
1). Cllr Mary Oven's letter to Cllrs Clarke and Dunning:
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Dear Cllr Dunning and Cllr Mrs Clarke,
I am writing to express extreme concern about the recent announcement regarding the withdrawal of subsidy for the Home Call Service. The Liberal Democrat Group ask that you reconsider your position as we feel it has the potential to impact severely on some of the Borough's most vulnerable residents.
Although I realise that it is not the Council's immediate intention to axe the service altogether, it is felt that, should the subsidy be removed, Coast and Country would not be able to sustain the service in its current form, leaving some of our residents in a very vulnerable situation. This may have a knock-on effect, endangering other facilities the housing company provide including Telecare and out of hours support.
We feel that debate and information on the topic have been insufficient and that direction from the Council has been entirely lacking throughout the process. This move seems to contradict the Council's reablement strategy; it may present a short-term financial fix but poses a greater financial and social risk in the long-term.
We urge you to consider the true implications of this decision and review it accordingly. As you will be aware from the letter you received from Grant Shapps, Minister for Housing and Local Government in March this year, although the Coalition Government has not ring-fenced funding for Supporting People, neither has it seen any significant reduction in the Spending Review. It is therefore expected that councils will be able to maintain their dedication to supporting people in their own home.
I hope that you will reconsider and I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Mary Ovens
Deputy Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Well-being