Southwark Council has been criticised for recommending a £4.7 million slash to adult social care funding.
Carers and opposition politicians are particularly concerned by a proposed £1.1 million cut to ‘respite care’ which funds days out for vulnerable people, and give carers a much-needed break.
Southwark Liberal Democrats said the council needed to explore new ways of raising money, like street advertising, to prevent the cuts.
Gemma Cooper, manager of the Cherry Gardens Adult Day Centre in Bermondsey, said: “Short breaks are so important. Clients can’t always join normal holiday clubs because many aren’t equipped to take people with complex needs.
“Throughout the six week holidays they have nothing so this would put more pressure on carers and parents.”
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In December, the government announced local authorities’ financial settlement for the next two years.
It contained measures to support councils’ ailing adult social care systems through a 4.99 per cent council tax increase, with 2 per cent ring-fenced for adult social care.
But in a report, Southwark Council said the additional funding was “welcomed” but “not enough in the longer term”.
While the majority of the £4.7 million savings are from streamlining current systems, £1.1 million is being taken from the fund for ‘short breaks’.
Service users could receive cash instead. Day trips could also be less specialised so people with differing needs can attend the same events.
Southwark Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain admitted the council faced “difficult choices” but disagreed that the cuts were unavoidable.
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“We understand that, with the current economic turmoil caused by this inept and uncaring Conservative government, the council must make difficult choices. However, the choices faced by the most vulnerable in our borough are far more severe,” he said.
In a series of recommendations put to Southwark Council, the Lib Dems suggested ways of raising funds to cover social care costs.
Among its recommendations was making better use of street advertising. Although Southwark Council already plans to raise £1.1 million from billboards, the Lib Dems noted that Manchester council had raised £2.4m with “a comparable on-street advertising capacity”.
The Lib Dems also suggested disused rooms at the council’s Tooley Street offices could be used to generate income.
The final details of the Southwark Council’s budget will be hammered out and approved at the next Council Assembly.
Cabinet Member for Finance, Democracy & Digital Cllr Stephanie Cryan, said: “The budget has yet to be agreed and no decisions have been taken – this is a formal process which requires cabinet and council assembly approval.”