Vulnerable People with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Needs next to suffer from central Government rules (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Vulnerable People with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Needs next to suffer from central Government rules

August 21, 2003 12:00 AM

Government set to cut benefits for residents at 15 hostels and 22 group homes by over 70% …………..

New Government rules will mean that residents at 15 hostels and 22 group homes for people with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health Needs will lose out because the Council needs to register all these properties as either care homes or domicillary care schemes with the National Care Standards Commission (NCSC). Once that takes place residents of care homes will lose their entitlement to financial support from 'Supporting People monies', which would result in a drop of 74% in the average weekly disposable incomes for residents. Their disposable income would drop from an average of £67.50 to £17.50 per week.

Cllr Mark Harris, Leader of the Opposition Liberal Democrat Group on Leeds City Council said "These cuts could affect over 400 people directly and hundreds of others who have connections with them. This is a shameful act which would remove funding from some of the most vulnerable people in our care - it is not a matter of taking away money on one hand and reinvesting elsewhere for the benefit of the people concerned, it is a direct cut, a tax upon those who we are trying to support to live as normal as life as possible within the community.

"I have already received letters from constituents of mine with relatives who live in these homes, who are extremely concerned at the information they have received from Social Services. In addition it appears the Council may lose Housing benefit it currently receives on behalf of the residents to cover their accommodation costs. That would cost the Social Services Department up to £12 million in a full year, money we will have to find from elsewhere to protect these vital services.

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"Last year the Council was forced by central government to introduce charges for services to elderly people, now it appears their actions are aiming at another vulnerable group of people, who they see as an easy target. I very much hope the Council can find a way round these bureaucratic rules that will enable this section of the Community to continue to receive the support they need, and deserve. In the meantime I will be doing everything I can to highlight the issue and ensure that both the Council and the individual's concerned are protected from this bureaucratic nightmare."

Cllr Jonathan Brown, Lib Dem Social Services Spokesperson added : "I have already received many letters about this issue, it is something the Council has been aware of for several months. I hope that representatives from all parties will band together in order to lobby central government to fight for the continuation of this funding."