Category Archives: ukcuts

Social care users ‘need more help’

September 15, 2011   Carers, disability, ukcuts
A growing number of users are employing personal assistants to help them with their care, but almost a third (31%) are finding it difficult to cope with being an employer

The public sector auditor has warned of shortcomings in the Government’s social care reforms, saying many users are struggling to cope with the new system.

Under the “personal budgets” scheme, local authorities give cash direct to users to choose their own care services, rather than having the council decide for them.

Read More

Warning that cuts will isolate Norfolk elderly

September 2, 2011   Carers, Older care, ukcuts

“Without this regular help, many older people could not remain at home and would lose ‘social engagement’ opportunities.”

by DAN GRIMMER Friday, September 2, 2011
6.30 AM

Cuts to public funding are threatening community care and increasing the chances of older people in Norfolk becoming isolated, according to research carried out at the University of East Anglia.

 A new study has revealed the vital role played by the public sector and volunteers in ensuring older people are able to live in their own homes.

And the study by UEA research fellow Dr Mayumi Hayashi’s warns dramatic cuts in public spending – and an assumption that the voluntary sector can pick up the pieces – will come at a time when the service needs to be enhanced, not reduced.

Read More

Warning over disability living allowance shake-up

August 31, 2011   Carers, ukcuts

All 3.2 million people receiving DLA at the moment, both those in work and out, will be reassessed.

31 August 2011 Last updated at 11:10

Ministers must “learn the lessons” of past welfare changes or risk their proposed shake-up of disability support leaving many in poverty, it is claimed.

Plans to replace the disability living allowance (DLA) could lead to 85% of claimants cutting back on basics like food and transport, a charity warned.

The Papworth Trust said there was also anxiety over the reassessment process.

The government says DLA is complex and inconsistent and changes are “overdue”, but stresses cash payments will remain.

The coalition is planning to replace the allowance, introduced in 1992 to help disabled people cope with the extra costs they face in their daily lives, with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment.
Mobility concern

All 3.2 million people receiving DLA at the moment, both those in work and out, will be reassessed.

Read More