Category Archives: Carers

Cuts in Norfolk were an “all-out assault” on disabled people’s living standards

Norfolk care services rallying cry

By Richard Wheeler Monday, February 13, 2012
10:04 AM

 

Care campaigners have been urged to keep “fighting, complaining and yelling” to stop services for thousands of vulnerable people being decimated by government cutbacks.

The proposal will see charges of £15 to £36 implemented per session at day centres, transport arrangements changing and staff numbers decreasing.

And opponents yesterday accused the ruling Conservatives of preparing to “put their hands up like sheep” to back the spending plans, despite hundreds of people across Norfolk voicing fears about the changes.

Ministers and MPs are calling on banks to improve services offered to carers

Looking after financial affairs of vulnerable relatives must become easier, say MPs

By Jo Thornhill and Richard Dyson

Last updated at 9:49 AM on 12th February 2012

 

Ministers and MPs are calling on banks to improve services offered to carers and those operating bank accounts on behalf of elderly or disabled relatives.

This follows the year-long campaign of carer Annie Dransfield whose case, featured in Financial Mail last February, was the subject of a debate in Parliament this month. 

Her battle with Lloyds over access to her disabled son’s account (see below) highlighted the crucial roles played by banks in helping, or hindering, carers.

Wishes: John and Vanessa Ginty have set up a lasting power of attorney

In response to Annie’s story, a Treasury Minister promised Parliament that ‘we will monitor this issue in the context of improving access to banking and in the context of Government actions to support carers’.

It comes as the number of people caring for spouses, parents or other relatives nears six million. Many are having to manage finances on behalf of loved ones, triggering a rise in the number seeking guidance from banks.

Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can bring benefits for people with hearing loss

Government in hearing loss pledge

Published on Saturday 11 February 2012 11:00

 

A London-based charity has welcomed the Government’s commitment to put hearing loss at the forefront of its ongoing strategy to improve health outcomes for people with long-term conditions.

Action on Hearing Loss said it is “delighted” that the Department of Health will consider how its Long Term Conditions Outcomes Strategy can bring benefits for people with hearing loss.

Health Minister Paul Burstow said he recognises the charity’s Hearing Matters report as an important step in raising the profile of hearing loss and confirmed that he has asked officials to consider how to take hearing loss on board as the Government’s strategy develops.