Highland OAPs in day care charge backlash

Highland Council’s plans to charge £5 a week for day care services will come into force next month leading to anger from some elderly folk who use day centres.

The introduction of the flat rate charge, which will take effect on October 4, was agreed by Highland Council’s housing and social work committee in May as a means of generating income and help make essential day care services sustainable in the future.

But Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has opposed the council’s plans claiming they are “sending mixed messages”.

She was referring to an announcement last week that Highland Council is to invest cash in local groups to help get elderly be active and mix socially in their own communities.

Ms Grant said: “I can’t understand how Highland Council on the one hand say they are seeking to invest more money to help older people be healthy and socially active while on the other they are adding new charges to centres which provide the elderly with a choice of activities.”

She added that she plans to write to Highland Council with her objections.

Elderly folk who regularly use the Mackenzie Centre in Inverness are among those angry and concerned at the charges, which could cost each a total of about £260 a year.

Isobel Cudbertson of Thornbush Road said that it was an example of the most vulnerable being hit as the council tries to save money.

She described the centre as a lifeline for many, and one that helped the elderly have an incentive to get out and meet socially.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, chairwoman of the housing and social work committee, said: “Local authorities are facing a challenging financial situation and we are having to make difficult decisions in respect of fees and charges for all services.

“The council carefully considered and assessed the impact of introducing any new charges when it was setting the service budget. We are confident users will see this modest weekly charge as very good value, and it ensures we are able to continue this much-used and valued service.”

More then 1,000 residents use day care services per week and the council has estimated an annual income to be generated from the full-cost recovery of providing these services at £230,000.

The council has advised day care staff to collect the £5 contribution, which includes the existing transport charge, from users in the same way as they collect other charges, such as for meals.

Payment by direct debit will also be available should users wish the charge to be automatically paid through their bank on a monthly basis. The £5 per week charge incorporates the existing transport charge of 50p per journey to a day care centre.

She said the council was committed to modernising day services to support earlier intervention and community-based support, together with the provision of more intensive services for those who require them.