Charges fuel heated debate

By Graeme Bletcher

REPRESENTATIVES from both sides of the controversial increase in home care charges debate, clashed at Rothes Halls yesterday.

In a heated public meeting, members of the Campaign Against Charges (CAC) pressure group met Fife councillors to give their strong views on the scheme, which could see disabled and elderly people charged up to £11 an hour for home care.

The group is also fighting proposals for a £7 fee per shopping delivery and a yearly £52 charge for community alarms.

Councillors Peter Grant and Tim Brett and head of social work services Stephen Moore took questions from disgruntled members of the public after a short opening statement from campaigner Maureen Closs.

She said, “These charges are illegal and immoral, I am outraged and angry and feel it is an all-out assault on disabled people.

“This policy is full of holes and riddled with discrimination, politicians make a mess and we end up being deprived of any quality of life.”

Mrs Closs went on to describe a council turnaround on guidelines published when the charges were first introduced.

“We have now seen a climb- down by the council who is prepared to bleed us dry,” she said.

“There are still the same very concerned people out there, with home care workers and staff morale at rock bottom.”

Leader of Fife Council Mr Grant acknowledged that mistakes had been made.

He said, “We got it wrong in the way we communicated to the people of Fife and that has caused some of the concern and anger.

“If people understand what the policy is, then most people will accept it as fair.

“Yes, we are addressing the issue of efficiency and both I and Stephen Moore think we can make the home care service more efficient.”

Mr Grant then explained that he was not prepared to take money from other pots and was instead looking to provide a budget that would cover requirements.

A member of the public raised the issue of the charges potentially being illegal, claiming the council had failed to provide an impact assessment.

Mr Brett answered the query, confirming that Fife Council’s most senior legal advisor had investigated the complaint and advised that the council had acted legally.

He also made clear that each person affected will receive their own individual assessment and that there are specific safeguards in place for individuals who cannot afford to pay.

On the subject of community alarms being withdrawn, Mr Grant gave his personal assurance that neither this, nor any other social work service, would be stopped.

He stated, “We will not withdraw any services until social workers are satisfied that it can be done without placing the person at risk.

“We will not take any recovery action against people who cannot afford to pay and we will not take any legal action against people who cannot afford to pay.”

He also stressed that in most local authority areas across the UK it is now the norm for some home care services to be paid for.

Councillor Alex Rowley, who was seated in the audience, reminded the public that alternative solutions to this issue and others can still be brought forward before February 14, and urged people to contact their local councillors.