70% Care Charge Hike: Real Cost Revealed

5.39.00pm GMT Tue 18th Nov 2008

Massive price hikes have led to a drop-off in demand for Council services according to opposition Councillors on Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Liberal Democrats on the Council committee scrutinising Health and Older People's issues have strongly and consistently opposed the Cabinet member's decision, made earlier this year, to put up prices of community meals, transport and home care.

Now a report to the Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel of the Council shows that many people have stopped having home help since Conservative Council chiefs increased the charges and a number of residents have cancelled meals due to the price increases.

Councillor Will Sandry (Oldfield) commented, "We said that this would be the wrong decision and the Cabinet member ignored us.

"When we organised a challenge to these price hikes, back in April, we warned the Cabinet member that our vulnerable residents would probably reduce their care and we tried to persuade him to change his mind.

"I dread to think of the difficult circumstances these people and their relatives have to face as a result of the Cabinet member's decision."

Councillor Cherry Beath (Combe Down) added, "I remain opposed to these increases and believe that, given the current economic climate of rising costs and falling interest rates, service users will struggle to secure the care they need.

"I would like to hear from anyone affected by the Council's huge price hike - I can be contacted via the Liberal Democrats on 01225 477106."

In April 2008 the Liberal Democrat Group organised a challenge (call-in) on the Cabinet member's decision to raise charges. The Committee which considered the call-in agreed that the Cabinet member should re-visit his decision. The Cabinet member refused to alter his decision - in fact he announced this before the committee had even met to consider the evidence.

You can read the full report here:

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/committee_papers/OandSHCOP/HCOP081118/09Report%20on%20impact%20of%20changes%20to%20Charging%20Policy%2008-09.htm

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