Elderly and housebound people are feeling “abandoned” by Fife Council’s plans to withdraw a vital service, according to one of its clients.
The council proposes to cut pension, benefits and prescriptions collection and the shopping delivery service it provides to 929 housebound people around the region.
Under the scheme, clients pay to have their shopping brought to their home, at a maximum cost of £7 per delivery.
Withdrawing the service would save the council £478,000 a year and 21 jobs would be lost.
However, one worried west Fife client said the council has left him and hundreds more in a state of limbo, not knowing what lies ahead.
Jimmy McCormack was sent a letter at the start of the month, which said the service he received was to be reviewed and staff would visit to assess him.
However, the 71-year-old Lumphinnans man said he was told by staff who provide him with the service that they were to be paid off and the service ended.
“I phoned the council and asked them what was happening and when they would be coming out but they couldn’t tell me,” he said.
“I really do not know what I will do if the service stops.”
Mr McCormack has one older sister, who already visits regularly and cooks for him and cleans his home, but she is unable to do his shopping.
“I have nobody to help if this stops,” he said. “Abandoned, that is how I feel, and don’t know what I’m going to do.
“Some people have suggested you could ask your neighbours to do your shopping, but communities aren’t like they once were.
“Many people don’t know their neighbours and everyone is already busy with work and their own commitments, you can’t depend on their kindness.
“Most keep themselves to themselves these days.”
He was trying to remain positive but said many more people would be extremely worried.
“There are hundreds more out there in the same boat or in fact much worse than myself, people who may be bedridden,” he added.
“Are some people going to have to rely on others out there with their pensions and their money, because you cannot trust some people.”
Mr McCormack also highlighted that getting a visit from a service worker brightened up what could otherwise be a very lonely existence.
Mr McCormack has battled cancer and his condition, caused by damage to the nerve endings in his legs, has deteriorated over the years.
He added, “I do not get many visitors. My sister comes and helps out but my carers and my delivery girl are angels and I couldn’t do without any of them.
“The council said it would be reviewed and they would come up with some alternative, but what alternative?
“We’re left not knowing what’s going on and feeling very worried and the council can’t even give me a date when they’ll be sending someone out to assess me.
“It’s the uncertainty that gets to you.
“I really think it’s a disgrace the council has left us like this, and we do not know if we are coming or going.”
Local councillor Alex Rowley has backed Mr McCormack in challenging what he terms a “bizarre” decision and one he feels may be in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act.
He said, “Staff delivering the service have told Mr McCormack that their jobs are to go and the service stopped later this year, although to date the council have simply sent a letter out saying that services being received are to be reviewed.”
Instead of cuts to this service, Mr Rowley put forward other options-such as cutting bureaucracy and waste-and has called for a rethink.
“I am concerned that no impact assessment was carried out before this cut was voted through,” he said.
“I intend to challenge this bizarre decision as I think it is in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act given the very negative impact it will have on people who depend on the service.”
However, the council stated that care for service users was its first priority.
Rona Laing, head of older people’s services, apologised to Mr McCormack for “any undue concern.”
“We reassure there will be no change to the personal shopping and pension collection services until every person has been visited,” she said.
“This will be to discuss and review their circumstances and ensure an alternative, which is suitable to the person and their needs, is put in place.”
She added, “We remain committed to the delivery of professional care standards for every service user whilst also speaking directly to staff on what the changes to our services means for them.
“In the meantime we will arrange to visit Mr McCormack to discuss his concerns.”