Council hits back over care cuts claims
LANCASHIRE County Council has blasted claims that elderly and vulnerable people could be forced out of their homes.
According to Cllr Jean Parr, proposals by Lancashire County Council’s Conservative administration will force many elderly and vulnerable people the leave their homes, which would result in increased admissions to the NHS and residential homes.
The council is reportedly considering stopping all “home improvements services,” mainly for people with long term conditions and disabilities.
This would include maintenance, repair and improvement of their properties, housing options advice, income maximisation or having access to a reliable handypersons service.
Cllr Jean Parr, Labour’s deputy for adult social care, said: “It’s clear that in order for people to stay at home they will need support.
“Family and friends can only do so much, they will be forcing vulnerable people to seek help from over stretched charities and volunteers to maintain their homes.”
The Conservative administration is also reportedly proposing to cut the number of carers from two to one member of staff, where it is now specified that people require the support of two carers.
Cllr Jean Parr, continued: “The council have even claimed that ‘people will have a better experience of care because it will be more personalised and dignified’, when they cut the number of care staff.
“There is absolutely no evidence to support such a claim.”
Graham Gooch, County Cllr for South Ribble West, responded: “Use of single carers will not be for everyone, each will be assessed according to need.
“The statement by Cllr Jean Parr regarding use of single carers is utter nonsense.”
County Cllr Gooch added: “To frighten the vulnerable people in society for political purposes by suggesting they will be driven into residential care by measures being taken by Lancashire County Council; it is preposterous.
“An increase in some fees has to be made, largely because of increased staff cost caused by an increase in minimum living wage for staff, which Labour supported.
“These will be brought forward at the budget meeting and it will be open for Labour to put forward alternative to cover the costs and continue to fill in the £200m hole they left in the budget.”