The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Concern for vulnerable in budget cuts
Criticism voiced of cuts to adult social care after Peterborough City Council approves its budget plans...
Some of the most vulnerable people in Peterborough will be hit hardest by hefty public spending cuts, critics have warned. Members of Peterborough City Council have given the green light to a much- debated budget.
Some of the most vulnerable people in Peterborough will be hit hardest by hefty public spending cuts, critics have warned.
Members of Peterborough City Council have given the green light to much debated plans to save £ 350,000 next year and £ 500,000 in future years by changing the criteria on which adults are eligible for care.
It means those with needs classed asso- called‘ high moderate’ – that is, below critical or substantial – will no longer receive support from the council.
It has prompted concern for the estimated 300 people currently classed as high mod-erate by the authority.
Amanda Preston, learning disability group advocacy support worker at the Peterborough Council for Voluntary Service ( PCVS), said: “I think people will be put at risk. I don’t think the councillors fully appreciate the level of need that people with learning disabilities have and who they are cutting out of social care.”
Ms Preston said she feared for the wellbeing of adults classed as high moderate in the wake of the cuts as the recipients rely on council- paid support to complete everyday tasks.
She said: “It’s the essential stuff: paying your bills, buying your food, keeping your house hygienic, keeping yourself healthy, keeping yourself safe.”
She added: “I think it will possibly come to a crisis situation.”
PCVS co- ordinates a group called The Network Team to offer support for adults with learning disabilities.
Among its members are Marie Elliot ( 48), from Fletton, and Sharon Smith ( 44) , from Stan-ground, both of whom are classed as having high moderate needs, live independently, but receive support for specialist workers.
Miss Elliot said she was “upset” by the council’s decision. She said: “I feel it’s not fair.” Miss Smith said: “I’m not very happy because I can’t go without the carers.”
Through such support, Miss Smith is able to work at The Kingfisher Centre, in The Cresset, Bretton, one day a week.
She said: “I don’t want to lose my job and I don’t want to lose my pay.”
She added: “I would miss my job. I like to do my job because I need to get paid because if I don’t get paid I won’t get any money.”
The change in eligibility criteria may also affect such charities as Goldhay Arts, which provides arts- based day care for adults with disabilities at The Cresset.