A dramatic rise in the cost of day care services in Perth and Kinross has been slammed as an attack on “the old, the frail and the infirm.”
The controversial price increases were voted through at the last council budget, but the reality of the scale of the increases has become apparent in a letter sent out to service users setting out the increases.
From only a nominal charge of £3.80 for lunch, the price has shot up to £30 for a session.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, leader of the Conservative group on the council the only party to oppose these particular increases launched a stinging attack.
He claimed financially pressed pensioners might be forced to make the choice between food and lighting and the important social contact which is central to the services involved.
However housing and health convener Peter Barrett said it was a matter of charging for the services or losing them.
Mr Stewart said, “The SNP-led administration, along with their Liberal Democrat partners, are setting out their plans for the introduction of increased weekly charges for day care services.
“From October 1 there will be a weekly charge for everyone who attends day services at Rannoch Road, Lewis Place or Parkdale or who take part in activities supported by Strathmore Day Opportunities. The amount they will be asked to pay will depend on the number of days a week they use the facility.
“The charges from October 1 for individuals and service users who use day care services will be for one session £30, for two sessions £45, three sessions £60, four £75 and five £85. For those who require outreach services one session is £15, two £25, three £35, four £45 and five sessions £55. These constitute dramatic hikes in the cost of care.’Penalising'”The Conservatives in our budget amendment chose not to increase these charges because we saw it as penalising the old, the frail and the infirm.
“Service users have recently received a letter from housing and community care outlining the proposals which have caused considerable anxiety. In the current economic crisis many older people are finding their income squeezed due to the rise in utility bills and food.”
Of the administration’s stance, Mr Barrett said, “Perth and Kinross Council is facing the serious challenge of delivering services for a growing number of people with a reducing amount of resources.
“The number of people aged over 65 living in Perth and Kinross is expected to increase by 74% by 2031, significantly higher than the national level of 61%. To meet this challenge and plan responsibly for service delivery, we have had to make some very difficult choices…
“We have provided day care services free of charge for as long as we possibly could. The stark choice we faced … was to stop delivering day care services at all, or to introduce charging. We understand this will be a significant change for our clients, and will take every step to ensure that people receive the information and support they need.
“Day care staff will be meeting people individually to discuss their own situation and to provide a financial assessment service if they wish, to ensure that no one pays any more than they can afford.
“By introducing these charges, we can ensure day care services will continue to be available. I would assure clients that we will provide them with every assistance we can to make sure that anyone who wishes to use these services is able to do so.
“Charges have been kept to a minimum and, depending on the service used, include everything from transport and travel to a centre, to activities and meals.”
Photo by Flickr user ell brown.