Cancellation of the National Care Service is a tragedy for carers in West Lothian, leaving them feeling let down.
The Scottish Government spent £28 million on this since 2021. The plan faced controversy from the start. It would have centralized care and excluded local input.
Mrs. Pike said national rules would end care standard differences. This would improve life for those in care and their carers. Unpaid care saves millions. Scotland’s unpaid care is worth about £15 billion yearly.
West Lothian’s share is over £572 million. This will rise as budgets tighten. More rely on family and volunteers for care.
Carers invested lots of time and energy. They aimed to accurately reflect carer needs in laws. Pike feels this effort is now wasted. Pike said it is tragic for people needing help. Carer representatives are concerned about spent money.
They wanted a system with some power. They wanted accountability when needs aren’t met. Pike hoped a care service would be independent. She said accountability is needed. People needing help have different life experiences across Scotland.
West Lothian’s care is better than other areas, she noted. Pike attends care committees. She gets depressed hearing about poor service elsewhere.
People needing care are vulnerable. They deserve equal care across Scotland. Pike asserted that a service could standardize and monitor care. Pike spoke for unpaid carers at the board. She felt the need to speak up for them. Many board members were happy the service was canceled, she said.