CAMPAIGNERS who fear for the future of social care in Worcestershire are to hold a debate in Malvern later this month.
The debate, organised by the #StandUp4Care campaign group, follows a protest march which was held in Worcester in October last year.
It will be held at Malvern Cube at 7pm on Friday, January 29.
Organisers say the upcoming debate is in response to the news Worcestershire County Council has put forward a four per cent rise in council tax next year to help pay the shortfall in Government funding for adult social care, while trying to raise extra cash for children’s services.
Panel members for the debate include Tom Wells, Liberal Democrat county councillor, Robin Lunn, Labour county councillor and Philip Talbot, chief executive of Age UK Hereford and Worcester.
Audience members will have an opportunity to discuss what they hear and submit further questions to the panel in the second round of the debate.
Organisers of the event have said that no Conservative councillor or MP has decided to join the panel as of yet despite numerous invititations sent.
Cathy Jackson-Read, founder of Stand Up 4 Care, said: “The event provides an opportunity for local people to debate key issues with elected representatives and leaders in Worcestershire.
“However, It is very disappointing to say the least that no Conservative cabinet member or local MP has yet agreed to attend and present the Conservatives’ views on social care.”
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, who cannot attend the debate, said in response to the concerns made: “I recently met with both Worcestershire County Council and the South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group who are both pleased with the progress of the Better Care Fund which is a pilot project to deliver long term care across the county.
“I welcome the efforts of both groups to work together to use their resources in a more efficient way and look forward to seeing improved outcomes in coming years.
“The Autumn Statement did give local authorities additional freedom to fund their priority programmes and I will continue to work with them to ensure that across the board, our elderly and vulnerable people continue to receive the best possible care.
“The amount spent on social care will be rising over this Parliament but of course, where individual constituents have problems, I am always happy to help. “
Nigel Slater, editor of the Malvern Observer, will chair the debate. Anyone wishing to attend should register by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-for-social-care-public-debate-tickets-20375093453.</b>
