'Most vulnerable' left in limbo over planned county cuts

[dutchman]

Upset OAPs and adults in need of help across Nuneaton and Bedworth have a nervous wait until the summer to see if plans which could severely impact on their lives are given the go-ahead.


Shire Hall

It was originally thought that the future of Warwickshire County Council's housing related support services would be discussed this month.

But the Nuneaton News can reveal that the all-powerful cabinet at Shire Hall will now not discuss the plans until July.

This leaves the thousands of people whose lives could be affected by their decision in limbo.

During a 12-hour long budget setting meeting at the county council, it was decided that the new savings target for the Supporting People's budget is £3.725 million by 2018.

This is slightly less than the original just over £4m saving, but it could still have a huge impact and the worrying aspect now is where will the savings be made.

As featured in the News, the county held a 12 week consultation into what are some of the most controversial plans in recent times because it could lead to the loss of services that are relied upon by some of the most vulnerable people across Nuneaton, Bedworth, North Warwickshire and wider Warwickshire.

This includes axing wardens and vital emergency pull cords at sheltered complexes across the borough.

It has caused much heartbreak for elderly residents at the borough's 33 complexes, the majority of whom have submitted heartfelt letters into the consultation.

Many of them have explained how they would not be alive had it not been for the help of the wardens.

Those who could be impacted by the cuts are not just wardens at sheltered accommodation and old folk but also representatives from agencies such as Doorway.

But these pensioners and adults in need of specialist help will have to wait until July to see what impact the planned savings could have.

Councillor June Tandy, leader of the Labour group at Shire Hall, said they would keep a close eye on the situation,

"It's unfortunate that the budget that the Conservative-led coalition agreed contained severe cuts to Supporting People.

"The Labour budget, while it contained a small cut, was not as severe as the one that was eventually agreed.

"It concerns me that there will be serious consequences as a result of this decision and there could be serious consequences in the district and borough councils, especially in Nuneaton and Bedworth, in terms of sheltered and very sheltered complexes and the people who live in them.

"We wait to see where these cuts will take effect."

A spokesperson for the county council said:"We are currently assessing the impact of the savings and working on recommendations."

[dutchman]

But the Nuneaton News can reveal that the all-powerful cabinet at Shire Hall will now not discuss the plans until July.

In other words, "after the elections".