SPOT protestors in Torbay campaigning against cuts to social care services
People with a learning disability from SPOT, a speaking out group in Torbay, along with older family carers, braved freezing conditions and sub zero temperatures to protest against cuts to social care services, ahead of the council meeting to decide its budget in Torbay.
Councillors came out to meet with protesters who handed them letters from some of Torbay’s most vulnerable residents to tell them firsthand how worried they are and how these cuts will devastate lives.
The council heard these accounts but proceeded to vote for the proposed budget. The £4m the council wants to cut from adult social care will have a massive impact. It risks the potential closure of a day centre, the removal of current day activity for those in residential homes, reductions to respite care, and domiciliary care cuts.
A SPOT spokesperson commented on the decision: “We are absolutely dismayed by the outcome of this vote, and although we understand the difficult economic climate, we believe the agreed budget will place people, who are already vulnerable, at risk of isolation, loneliness and abuse.
“People will undoubtedly find themselves in crisis as services are withdrawn. We believe this will actually cost more than any savings made by the council. The council are determined to save money whatever the cost to people’s lives. It’s a shameful decision.
“At a time when social care and health services in Torbay receive such positive attention, SPOT can only see this as a massive setback for people who are extremely vulnerable and in need of support just to live their everyday lives.”
Jo Fox, Mencap’s regional campaigns officer for the west, said: “We hoped that the council would make the right decision and make vulnerable people its priority. The consequences of these cuts will be felt for many years to come.”
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