MP hits out at fees for system
New £5 charge ranks among worst
New figures show that North Lanarkshire has the fourth highest charge for community alarms in Scotland.
Only Edinburgh, the Highlands and the Scottish Borders charge more than the £5 cost controversially imposed last year.
Politicians and residents have slammed the move since the introduction of the £5 charge for the potentially life-saving alarm, which connects elderly or vulnerable residents to an emergency operator through a neck pendant.
More than 1800 people signed a petition against the charge and many users quit the service to save money.
Back in November, the council made a U- turn and revealed they would provide the service for free to those in sheltered housing.
Shotts MP Neil Gray said: “It beggars belief that the council are yet again wanting to hit those that are most vulnerable in our society. This alarm system is a lifeline and for the council to now charge users for this peace of mind is ludicrous.
“While the council have changed their position to allow those in sheltered accommodation free use of the alarm, there are many more who depend on it and are equally vulnerable.
“A vulnerable person is a vulnerable person, no matter where they stay.”
MSP Alex Neil added: “These figures are shocking and highlight that the community alarm charge is just a cynical move by North Lanarkshire Council to make more money at the expense of elderly and vulnerable people.”
In the Highlands, the cost of the system is £6, in Edinburgh it is £5.80 and, in the Borders, £5.40.
A spokesman for the Joint Integrated Board for Health and Social Care said: “We are one of the last areas in Scotland to still provide a free community alarm service.
“Like other public services we’re facing cost pressures and demand for the service is increasing year on year.
“We have written to everyone using the service to advise them of this change.”