Government's response to care charges 'a bitter blow'

The Scottish Government's failure to commit to the delivery of a pledge to scrap non-residential care charges is a "bitter blow", East Renfrewshire's council leader has said.

- DREW SANDELANDS, LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER

Means-tested £20 per hour fees for non-residential care-which includes 'social supports' like help with shopping or going to the cinema - are planned in East Renfrewshire due to a "critical" financial position.

But they have been put on hold following opposition from parents and carers who fear the proposals could lead to increased social isolation.

Council leader Owen O'Donnell and Councillor Katie Pragnell, who chairs the area's integration joint board (IJB), wrote to First Minister John Swinney to seek clarity over whether the SNP government planned to "honour" a 2021 manifesto commitment.

The SNP had pledged to scrap all non-residential social care charges for those who need support. The letter stated East Renfrewshire has "resisted introducing charging for several years, in large part due to the commitment in your 2021 manifesto".

However, the financial position is "now critical" and IJB members, who direct health and social care services, felt there is now "no choice but to introduce charging".