New social care fees in East Renfrewshire face review amid concerns about their impact on vulnerable individuals.
A decision was delayed for budget news. The leader said it was a tough call, citing big money problems.
The SNP wants the decision reviewed soon. A council meeting is set for February 26, claiming the council has extra money. A council member called the decision bad, saying it hits those needing the most help.
He said it shows bad choices and harms people more. People struggle with living costs now. Non-residential care helps them stay independent. The SNP wants the council to change the plan. About 500 people might be affected.
Many oppose this. A petition has over 1,000 signatures. The change may burden unpaid carers and limit disabled people’s community access. Health officials suggest the fees anyway, facing a large budget gap soon.
These fees impact things like community access, and shopping help may also be affected. Personal care won’t have charges. They will assess individual finances carefully using a “taper” to figure out payment amounts. Originally a 60% taper was wanted but it’s 40% now which is estimated to bring in less money.
East Renfrewshire is the last area introducing fees, as most other areas already charge. The council leader called it a very hard decision, emphasizing the delay over the years.
He thinks the government won’t fully fund this, going against what it pledged. The health partnership admits this creates change. They know people are worried about it all.
They stress that payments link to one’s income and they’ll assess finances with families. They will help minimize the change’s impact and avoided these fees for a long time. They now face unprecedented money trouble.