It would seem Friday afternoon is a busy time at the council press office. Another release just in. Ed
Residents are being reminded that there is still time to take part in the Isle of Wight Council’s consultation on proposed changes to the way it delivers and charges for adult social care services and plans to relocate respite services from Westminster House.
There are a number of ways residents can take part in the consultation which continues until 14 January 2011, including online questionnaires, letters, e-mails and face to face meetings.
Share your views online
Online questionnaires and details of how people can make comments by post can be found at:
The consultation aims to both inform residents of – and seek their views on – proposals to ensure those in most need are looked after appropriately both now and in the future in light of the council’s reduced financial resources.
Specific proposals being consulted on include charging people against the actual cost of the services provided to them – this includes meals on wheels, day care and homecare services. There is also a proposal that all people should be charged for services, depending on their ability to pay, regardless of age.
The council is looking to raise the threshold for those eligible to receive adult social care services from those assessed currently as “critical” or “substantial” to only those assessed as critical. However in doing so, it is still looking to provide support to people below the critical threshold if they face specific significant risks to their continued independence and safety.
Cllr Roger Mazillius, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, is encouraging people not to miss out on the opportunity to comment on these important changes.
“This is one of the biggest changes to adult social care services we have seen in recent times. We have tried to make is as easy as possible for people to take part and have promoted the consultation via local media and also to service users via care staff.
“While there is a need for the council to substantially reduce its budget, it is also an opportunity for us to make sure our services are delivered as fairly as possible and that the right services are received by those most in need.
“It must be remembered that no final decisions have been taken on these proposals and nor will they be until the consultation has been conducted and all the responses properly evaluated, after which a decision will be taken through the Cabinet on 8th February and then Full Council on 23rd February.
“I hope as many people as possible, but particularly those most affected by these decisions, will present their views to us before the consultation ends on 14 January 2011.”
