We are pleased to be able to let people know that Southampton City Council appear to have backed down over proposals to cap social care support awards as part of their budget savings.
Disabled residents of Southampton alerted DPAC before Christmas to the Council’s consultation on proposals which would have forced Disabled people with high support needs out of their homes and into residential care. The consultation was being conducted as part of Southampton City’s budget setting process in a move to cut costs. Meanwhile the Council are investing twelve million in a new ‘super care home’.
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The proposals sparked a national outcry against measures which experts judged to be legally questionable.
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This morning Southampton residents received a letter telling them that the consultation has been terminated early as a result of the considerable volume of feedback and concerns received. The letter stated that the Council is looking to “use the feedback… to develop a fresh proposal about how we set personal budgets for all adult social care users”. They expect this new proposal to be sent out in early February.
Thank you to everyone who contacted Southampton Council with concerns and who took action to support Disabled Southampton residents to fight their plans.
DPAC will continue to monitor the situation in Southampton and await with interest the new proposal. We would urge social care users in all areas to check what proposals your Councils are putting forward as part of the budget setting process which is happening now, and if you see anything that concerns you, like the Southampton proposals, let us know using mail@dpac.uk.net.
Good news. .it’s time these councils knew that the disabled have a right to lead there lives with dignity and we will not be silenced.
Excellent outcome!