Day centre fees hike penalises vulnerable (From Witney Gazette)

Day centre fees hike penalises vulnerable

10:00am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Letters

Sir – The Witney Gazette’s coverage of Oxfordshire County Council’s plan to pass on a huge hike in fees for older and disabled people at The Elms Centre is very much welcome.

However, the figures quoted in the article weren’t quite accurate. A service user attending two days a week without subsidy currently pays £12.60, this includes the cost of attendance, transport and lunch. This charge will increase to £50 if the proposals go ahead.

It’s clear why so many Witney residents feel they won’t be able to afford to carry on using the service and the support it offers.

I urge everyone to respond to the county council’s public consultation, which has been extended until October 31.

They are expected to make their decision some time in December, with the new prices taking effect from April next year.

We all need to give the county council a strong message that these proposals are not acceptable, as it again targets the most vulnerable, who always appear to be hit the hardest.

Andrew Coles, Labour councillor, Witney Central ward, West Oxfordshire District Council, Farmington Drive, Witney