North Somerset Council is reducing the number of subsidised weeks from eight down to four weeks. Those who benefit from respite care are also faced with the prospect of the closure of Poppyfields in Worle where 3 beds are used for respite care. The Poppyfields home with 18 beds specialises in dementia care.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Adult Services Cllr Andy Cole said “Once again we see the most vulnerable members of the community being attacked by the Conservative majority in the Town Hall. Papers were issued late at the last full Council meeting without any consultation with scrutiny panels or users of the service who are affected by the decisions.”

The cut in respite care and large increases in home care and day care charges are being used to finance the recent decision taken by full Council to buy additional offices in Clevedon.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Deborah Yamanaka said “The ruling Conservative group are taking advantage of the people who rely on these services. The Conservatives are using the money saved by these cuts to subsidise the move to Clevedon. The ruling group claim that they can be trusted with the Council's finances but how can this be true? Their priorities are to cut services at the expense of vulnerable residents.”

ENDS

published by: North Somerset Liberal Democrats, 12 Henley Lodge, Yatton, Bristol, BS49 4JQ

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