Plans to increase charges for domiciliary care in Cardiff are “unfair” on vulnerable people, according to a Lib Dem Councillor.
The Labour council outlined £5.2 million of savings to be made in their social care budget for 2018/19 last week, of which £350,000 will come from increasing charges for domiciliary care by a third.
Those needing care within their home currently pay up to £60 per week to access the service, and the council pays the rest.
But the new plan proposes to increase that figure to £80.
What is domiciliary care?
Domiciliary care is care given to those who cannot live independently in their own home.
Rather than living in a care home, the person needing help with daily tasks is supported in their own home by a carer. It is seen as cheaper and more effective than taking up space in a hospital or care home.
What has been the response?
Lib Dem councillor for Pentwyn, Joe Carter, says the charge increase is unfair, especially after Cardiff Council announced a 5% rise in council tax.
“The vast majority of people living in social care are also paying council tax. They are going to suffer from all these costs and charges,” Cllr Carter said.
“It could also mean that someone who is accessing five hours of care per week is having to pay £80 upfront – but someone who is accessing round the clock care, is also paying the same.
“The whole model of people having to pay this arbitrary charge is fundamentally flawed and unfair.”
Cardiff City Council were unavailable for comment.
The Labour administration has been trying to bridge a £25 million budget gap for 2018/19. Despite increasing the social services budget by £8.4 million, extra savings still need to be made.
One woman who works in domiciliary care for the council, but wished to remain anonymous, said the changes will “massively…impact people living in the community”.
“The people that we provide care to have already had many of their services taken away. Things like domestic calls and shopping visits, they are already having to pay for privately.
“So if you move that margin, it’s going to look great on the council budgets, but it is massively impacting people living in the community.”
The budget is set to be voted on by the council on Thursday. If approved, the changes will come in force in April.
