East Renfrewshire will charge for some social care in July, impacting 500 people despite opposition.
The council will charge £20 an hour, impacting around 500 people. Many residents oppose these new charges; over 1,000 people signed a petition against them. Leader Owen O’Donnell said it was a hard choice.
Social supports face these charges. This includes help accessing the community, shopping help, day programs, and community services. Personal care remains free.
Parents worry about the impact on elderly people and disabled citizens. Less community access is a concern, and unpaid carers may face more pressure. A budget gap of £7m exists.
The council delayed this decision earlier, hoping for more government funding. Official Lesley Bairden said charges depend on ability to pay. They will assess each person’s finances, and a taper level determines payment amounts.
Originally, they aimed for a 60% taper, but now they chose 40%. This change brings in less money, about £1 million. Disposable income is income after living costs, including disability-related expenses.
Bairden stated it was a difficult choice, facing many savings impacts services. They think around 500 people will pay, and the council changed the start date to July.
East Renfrewshire is the last in its area to charge; Inverclyde has a lower taper at 25%. The council deferred this decision for years, but finances now demand they act because the Scottish Government did not fully fund them.
There will be a weekly charge limit, recognizing complex care needs cost more. The council will offer financial advice to those affected and help people maximize these benefits. The IJB plans care services, while the council sets fees.