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Liberal Democrats on Kent County CouncilThe Official Opposition on Kent County Council |
2 TORY VOTES DEAL A BODY BLOW TO ELDERLY
April 25, 2007 3:48 PM
Charges for care in the homes of elderly people are to soar by 30% or a maximum increase of £15 per week, following a vote at Kent County Council.
On 24 April, KCC's Adult Services Policy Overview Committee met in Maidstone to consider the increase in domiciliary charge proposals. There were a number of Conservative speeches of regret at having to make a difficult and "heart-rending decision" (Kevin Lynes, Cabinet Member for Adult Services).
At the vote, all 7 Conservatives Councillors voted to go ahead with the increases, defeating 5 Lib Dem and Labour votes opposing the move. The new charges will be imposed from September 2007.
Trudy Dean, Leader of the KCC Lib Dem Group, who spoke in opposition to the increases said "This move is to raise an extra £632,000 income. Conservative Members have chosen instead to spend £800,000 on a new Kent TV broadband station. That's not a heart-rending decision, it is purely flabbergasting!"
George Koowaree Lib Dem Member for Ashford did succeed in making sure that letters sent to individuals affected by the decision will include details of how to get advice to ensure they are receiving all the payments including Council Tax Benefit, to which they are entitled.