Councillors asked to reconsider proposal to cut Christmas gifts

Council bosses have been branded “scrooge-like” after revealing cost-cutting plans to axe Christmas presents for care home residents in Aberdeenshire.

The scheme, to be discussed by councillors at the height of the festive season, currently costs the local authority £32.81 per person, amounting to a total cost of £9,613 for 293 people across the north-east.

Members of Aberdeenshire Council’s communities committee will be asked to consider stopping the gifts as part of a wider discussion on social care services charges.

Other options could see the local authority continuing with the practice – or reducing the amount of funding it makes available for it.

The proposals, which would come into force from 2018-19, will be considered on December 21.

Age Scotland said the scheme could heap unnecessary misery on older people at what can be an “especially lonely” time of year.

Director Keith Robson urged the council to put feelings before finances. “We understand that budgets are tight, but scrapping Christmas gifts for care home residents seems a bit Scrooge-like,” he said.

“For those residents who don’t have close family, this may be the only gift they receive.

“Christmas can be an especially lonely time of year for many older people, even if they are living in a care home,” added Mr Robson.

“This isn’t a huge amount of money, but this type of gesture can really brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued.

“We hope Aberdeenshire Council will consider alternatives rather than cutting this scheme completely.”