More cash to services for older people in Moray

Moray Council has boosted funding for services provided to older people to cope with increased demand.

A rise in the number of elderly people living in the area has forced the council to review budget allocations.

The health and social care services committee has agreed to give £250,000 extra funding to relieve pressure on the existing system.

Home care services will receive £140,000 and the remaining £110,000 will go towards housing development.

The committee’s decision will now go before the full council for final approval, however.

The money was originally set aside in the council’s 2008 financial services review, which allocated £250,000 a year between 2008 and 2011 for services for older people.

The findings of a 2004 survey conducted by the council showed the numbers of older people living in the area are projected to increase to 20,438 by 2019 and 22,088 by 2024. The number of people aged over 80 is also expected to increase to 6,613 by 2024. It was these factors, coupled with the age profile of existing service users, which prompted concern.

Committee chairman Lee Bell said hard times lay ahead. He added: “It’s going to be a challenge this year and in future years, especially in light of the financial situation in the country.”