Urgent funding needed
to meet social care needs
 UNISON
will campaign for personal care to be free as in Scotland and
for urgent extra funding for Social care to meet the demands of
the 21st century. And a key part of this will be well trained
and well rewarded staff delivering the services.
Eastern region's Sheila Reynolds said, "increasingly, only those
with the most severe needs are being catered for. Those with moderate
needs being unsupported.
"We need a huge increase in social care funding to meet the needs
of both users and workers," she said.
But Edinburgh's George Lee warned, "the flagship free personal
care legislation in Scotland is coming under pressure from the
bending of rules and efficiency savings".
George, a worker in social care settings for 28 years, said,
"I have been one of many who have argued that the historical shortfall
in funding would at some time come home to roost irrespective
of what party was in power. The projected crisis is now a reality".
There has been investment after the Wanless Report but too much
of it had been taken up in wasteful PFI projects. Meeting the
increase in the need for social care will take "serious commitment
and we should work tirelessly to secure that commitment", added
George.
West Midlands' Steve Beardsmore highlighted the human cost of
poor social care provision. Social Services had no funds for a
basic piece of equipment costing only £110. The branch welfare
fund stepped in to help the member but it should not have had
to. Steve was disgusted that, "One of the richest countries in
the world could not afford £110 including VAT and delivery".
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