Family’s fears over budget cuts to carers
Family’s fears over budget cuts to carers
Glen Padley (pictured left) with his sister Gillian Webster and her partner Ron Sawyer who fear Glen will be forced into a home if his budget is cut.A carer fears she will be unable to continue looking after her mentally disabled brother due to budget cuts, which may force him into a home.
Gillian Webster has been caring for her 47-year-old brother Glen Padley for the past two years in Skegness with funding from Sheffield County Council – where Glen used to live with their father until his death.
With Glen’s care budget transferring to Lincolnshire County Council in November, Gillian claims the money will be cut leaving her unable to afford the additional help she requires to keep Glen out of a home and in the community.
She said: “I think it’s disgusting, they’re just passing him around like a parcel.
“Glen can’t do anything for himself, he doesn’t understand money, can’t read or write and has to be looked after 24/7.
“I will always look out for my brother but without the budget to afford the second carer Glen will have to go into care.”
Having seen her brother struggle with life in a care home, she desperately wants to keep him close to the family and part of society.”
Gillian raised her concerns with Skegness Town Councillor George Saxon who has sympathised with her plight.
He said: “It’s a terrible state of affairs and it’s clearly causing Gillian distress. To me it’s a humanitarian issue, her brother is severely disabled and clearly needs the help.”
Coun Saxon has suggested Gillian raise the issue with MP for Boston and Skegness Mark Simmonds who she hopes to meet on Friday.
Head of services for learning disabilities at LCC Joanna Tubb said Glen’s case was yet to be determined and made assurances his care needs will be met, despite ‘dramatic changes to the social care landscape..
She said: “We can reassure the family and anyone in need of social care services that, following a thorough assessment, we will work to ensure all needs are met.”
