CAMPAIGNERS fearing over the future of social care in Worcestershire are to make their feelings heard by holding a protest at the headquarters of Worcestershire County Council later this year.
The Stand Up for Care group, which launched last year, is planning to visit County Hall in the Spring to voice their concerns over worrying cuts to social care funding.
Founded by Malvern resident Cathy Jackson-Read, the campaign group held a protest rally in Worcester city centre in October.
The awareness campaign was set up following news of a cut of a further £3.3million to public health funds announced in the Chancellor’s summer budget last year.
An exact date of the next protest is yet to be announced but campaigners told the Observer they expect to see many worried residents and care workers join them.
News of the protest was announced during a lively debate at Malvern Cube on Friday (January 29) which was organised by the campaign group as its second main event.
Panel members included Mrs Jackson-Read, Coun Tom Wells, Liberal Democrat county councillor, Coun Robin Lunn, Labour county councillor and Philip Talbot, chief executive of Age UK Hereford and Worcester.
No MP or Conservative leading councillor at Worcestershire County Council attended despite being invited.
Around 60 people attended from all over the county who expressed their concerns about the current state of social care.
Mrs Jackson-Read said: “If the leadership at County Hall won’t come to us we will take the campaign to them.
“Stand Up for Care is urging local people to share their personal stories and experiences about social care and we will present them directly to members at a full council meeting in the Spring.”
A statement from Harriett Baldwin, which was read out at the debate in her absence, said: “Worcestershire County Council plans to use its additional freedom to raise two per cent council tax to fund local social care.
“The local NHS is also seeing its funds increased with the South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group receiving £431,673,000 this year, rising to £499,295,000 by 2020, to provide primary medical care, specialised care and their programme budget.
“Thus the amount spent on social care by Government will be rising over this Parliament. Nevertheless, demand is also increasing and the National Living Wage will give carers a well-deserved pay increase, so there will continue to be pressure on our care services and providers to look for further efficiencies.”
Anyone wishing to post their experiences about social care to the campaign group should email [email protected].
