Barnet’s Conservative councillors have voted to increase home care charges by 8.18 per cent – over 8 times the rate of inflation (CPIH = 0.9% currently) and despite household incomes falling due to Covid.
Labour councillors challenged the proposal at this week’s Adults’ & Safeguarding Committee (23 Nov), but the Conservatives forced the increase through with Labour voting against. The decision means that the charge for home care will increase next year from £17 an hour to £18.39 an hour.
Barnet Labour’s spokesperson for Adults’ & Safeguarding, Cllr Paul Edwards said:
“Fewer people are receiving home care because many have concerns over the spread of Covid. The 8 per cent increase is excessive and harsh on those vulnerable adults who just cannot manage without the support.
“It’s being done under the means tested ‘Fairer Contributions’ regime, but there is nothing fair about it. The Tories woudn’t propose increasing council tax by 8 per cent, but they think it’s ok to do this to vulnerable older and disabled people.”
Ends.
Notes:
- Details of the fees and charges increases can be found here: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s61137/Appendix%20B%20Adults%20and%20Safeguarding%20Fees%20Charges%20202122.pdf
- Details of CPIH inflation rate: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices
For more information contact Cllr Paul Edwards: cllr.p.edwards@barnet.gov.uk