Council backs social care charges in East Renfrewshire due to financial issues, despite strong opposition. Starts in July.
Council leader Owen O’Donnell said this is due to money problems and that they reluctantly agreed to it. About 500 people may be affected by these new charges.
Many parents and carers oppose the charges. Over one thousand people signed a petition, hoping to persuade the council to stop the plan.
The charges are for “social supports,” which includes help with shopping or community activities; personal care is not included. People worry about the impact on disabled and elderly residents and this might burden unpaid carers more, possibly reducing community involvement for some.
The IJB, a council-NHS partnership, suggested the charges because they expect a £7 million budget shortfall. A decision was delayed in December to see if the Scottish budget gave support.
Lesley Bairden, who works for the Health and Social Care Partnership, said charges depend on the ability to pay, and the council will assess finances. A “taper” will decide income use, determining the portion for care payment.
Officials initially wanted a 60% taper, which would raise about £1.5 million yearly, but councillors chose 40%, raising under £1 million. Disposable income means money after living costs and includes disability-related expenses.
Bairden said recommending charges was hard, but the IJB felt they were needed because the partnership faces financial issues. If they do not charge, they must cut services. Around 500 people may need to pay, out of almost 2000 people who receive care. The start date moved from April to July.
East Renfrewshire is the last to charge in its area. Inverclyde has a lower taper limit, at 25 percent. O’Donnell called it a tough decision, stating nobody actually wanted to implement this.
The IJB delayed charges before, but finances are now forcing their hand, as the IJB has financial trouble to balance its budget. Also, the Scottish Government will not abolish and fully fund the charges, despite pledging this in their manifesto.
A limit on weekly charges will be set recognizing that higher needs mean more expenses. The council will assist those affected, and their money advice team will help maximize benefits.
Although the IJB plans health and social care, the council ultimately sets charges for social care.