A 95-year-old Edzell man has accused Angus Council of a “betrayal of trust” and said pensioners are now being stretched beyond their limits as budget-tightening measures begin to take hold.
Describing a 75% increase in the weekly cost of the community alarm as “a further example of Angus Council’s complete disregard for the elderly,” James Paterson has now taken the matter up with the local authority and Age Scotland and is calling for the charge to be scrapped altogether.
Community alarm users have now begun to receive bills incorporating the price hike agreed by councillors at February’s budget meeting, taking the weekly charge from £2 to £3.50. The rise follows a 100% increase in the weekly charge in last year’s budget.
“I feel very uneasy about the rising costs and the burden being borne by service users,” Mr Paterson said.
“There are many elderly pensioners who are finding they are now being stretched beyond limits to find the money to meet even the basic essentials of living.
“Additional pressures on their dwindling budgets can only mean even less to spend on necessities like food, clothing and heating, to mention a few.
“It is true that the elderly are generally not minded to make formal written protests and moreover may be unable to do so for health reasons. They do not have the benefit of strong, supportive representation.
“For Angus Council to target this vulnerable sector of society is disgraceful, unjust and grossly insensitive it is simply a betrayal of trust.
“To say that they are being subsidised is of no consolation and it is insulting to elderly citizens who have paid their taxes and national insurance contributions for most of their lives.”
The rise is projected to bring in over £900,000 of extra income for the council but, at a cost of £4.40 per user each week, the service remains heavily subsidised.
In the face of the severe economic climate, however, many pensioners fear they will no longer be able to afford the vital service and have told the council they are considering giving it up.’Necessity’Mr Paterson added, “This facility is a necessity for elderly people whose needs require protection and Angus Council is to be applauded for delivery of this important service, which could be a potential lifesaver in an emergency.
“It is provided in the name of safety and care and it is wrong that the elderly should be asked to pay for this non-assessed service. I would implore that charging for the community alarm service should be withdrawn altogether.”
The council has given an assurance that it would not pull the plug on any resident assessed as requiring the community alarm.
A spokesman said, “Angus Council has increased the charge for the community alarm service to bring it more in line with charges applied elsewhere in Scotland.
“The community alarm service is provided to 3121 people in Angus, of whom 70 have indicated they are considering the withdrawal of the service.
“We are in the process of contacting them to arrange home visits to discuss it further.
“The council stresses that services continue to be provided on the basis of need and no service would be withdrawn because of cost where it has been assessed as being required by an individual.”