Lib Dem community campaigner slams Tory care cuts

11.00.00pm GMT Mon 23rd Mar 2009

The number of day care sessions attended by elderly people has halved in the two years since charges were introduced, it has been revealed. In April 2007 the Conservatives at Suffolk County Council agreed to introduce a charge of £15 per session. Day care was previously free of charge. They also increased the cost of transport and meals. In total cuts of £42 million have been made to Adult Social Care since the Conservatives started running the County Council in 2005.

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Parliamentary Campaigner Andrew Aalders-Dunthorne commented. "It is the elderly and vulnerable people who are bearing the brunt of the new charges. Only 20% of people had to pay for home care two years ago, now 80% have to pay. The danger is that the substantial drop in attendance at day care centres will lead to more feelings of isolation for elderly people. Also day care gives their carers a break."

"This is a scandal of the highest order, and clearly demonstrates that social care is not a priority of the Tory administration at County Hall." Andrew added, "Although many may be eligible for benefits to offset the costs, many older people are not aware that they can apply, or they can't face filling in the long forms or the intrusion into their financial affairs."

It seems that the Conservative cuts have had a pretty devastating effect on the elderly in Suffolk. The Conservatives are also planning to close all day care centres in council run residential homes.

£31.5m has been raised from the new social care charges, £3.4 m has been raised from meals alone