Support worker starts petition over Budget
A LOUGHBOROUGH support worker is to challenge the Government following the Budget announcement as she believes the health and social care sector is at risk.
Sarah Wiles is asking residents to sign her petition: “Theresa May - Protect our elderly, disabled and vulnerable, #Budget2017 was a disgrace”.
Sarah, who works with people with learning difficulties, told the Echo: “I have found evidence to suggest that the future care of our elderly, disabled and vulnerable may be at risk through lack of funding.
“We will all age, may need care in the future and need to know that our current system will be protected in the future.”
Sarah’s petition states that six years of unprecedented budget cuts has placed an “unacceptable burden” on families and carers and sees an increasing number of older people without any support.
The petition states: “Funding of £2bn over three years will not protect those requiring social care and it will impact on employers providing care that need to pay dedicated and experienced staff”.
Sarah is writing to MPs, including Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan, to raise her concerns.
Mrs Morgan, who recently arranged event Loughborough Later Life to encourage people to think about care early, said: “I have not seen it yet but I will respond when I have and will see if the petition attracts support.
“Social workers are unsung heros and we’re all aware there’s huge pressures from an aging population. The budget of £2bn for social care recognises there’s huge pressures.”
Sarah’s petition is at you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/theresa-mayprotect-our- elderly- disabled- and-vulnerable- budget2017- wasa-disgrace