Wirral care cuts could have ‘devastating impact’

DOZENS of vulnerable adults face having their lives turned upside down as part of a cost-cutting exercise by Wirral Council, a care provider has claimed.

The authority’s social services department has told organisations providing help and care for those with mental illnesses and learning difficulties that their fees will be cut by a third.

Among those affected is Salisbury Independent Living (SIL), which has 80 properties in Wirral.

The company says it cannot afford to provide the same standard of care under the new arrangements.

At a recent meeting, angry residents told senior officers the plans were having a devastating effect on lives.

Angela Cutler, whose son, Darren, has lived in SIL accommodation for two years, said: “Many of these people are not able to express themselves and they are frightened. This would have a major impact on them – the staff are exceptional.”

John Wilberforce, a director at SIL, said they had been presented with a “fait accompli” and even at the meeting the council staff had not been interested in the opinions of those affected.

SIL face a cut in hourly rates from £18.23 to £13.18 .

Mr Wilberforce said: “It’s a take it or leave it offer as it stands. But I can’t make it stack up at £13.

“We can’t cut salaries, because that would be a breach of contract.”

Peter Smith, whose two sons Simon and Christopher are in SIL accommodation, said: “Most providers pay minimum wages but SIL pay above that and keep their staff, giving them the opportunity to develop and have careers. My son was in a place in New Brighton and tried to commit suicide five times and I said ‘enough was enough’. When he went to SIL, there was a massive change.”

The authority claims “the majority” of 26 Wirral providers have agreed to the new rates.

Wirral Council – like other authorities – is moving towards personal budgets for those it has responsibility for, and it is feared the council is pushing through cuts now before the changes come in.

A spokeswoman for Wirral Council said: “Following extensive consultation with a number of businesses which provide care services in April, the council introduced a standard hourly rate to pay for the care people need.

“This was to ensure value for money in a market where providers charged different rates for the same care. A total of 24 of the 26 Wirral providers signed up immediately.

“The council is now meeting with the managers of SIL, their legal advisors and those people who purchase a service from them and hope to reach a resolution soon.”