GMB: Looming spending cuts risk lifelines for most vulnerable
GMB Scotland has sounded the alarm over huge spending cuts threatening life-changing care for some of the most vulnerable people in North Ayrshire.
One of the biggest unions in the public sector said the scale of the budget cuts being considered by North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP) are unprecedented and will cut crucial safety nets for people at risk.
The union warned a looming multi-million pound spending squeeze will sabotage services, from home care for older people to specialist support for disabilities, mental health and addiction issues.
A public consultation over the proposed cuts is due to end today but Howard Wilkin, GMB Scotland organiser, said it has been rushed and badly-timed.
He said: “These threatened cuts risk the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents and demand proper debate and discussion.
“To launch a month of consultation during the Christmas holidays in the middle of winter does not give people adequate notice or opportunity to understand the scale of what is being considered or raise their concerns.
“The people of North Ayrshire deserve honesty and the chance to properly understand the scale and potentially devastating impact of the cuts being considered.”
North Ayrshire has 52 of Scotland’s most deprived areas and the country’s lowest healthy life expectancy in Scotland, with the average adult only remaining in full health until 52.
The NAHCSP has blamed the increasing demand for services for a projected £17million budget deficit this year and warned cuts and new health and social care charges are unavoidable despite making £4m of savings last year.
However, GMB is urging the NAHCSP to extend the consultation process to minimise the impact of the cuts and allow fuller discussion of potential opportunities to protect services.
Wilkin said: “A country is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable people and by that standard the failure of ministers to properly fund and protect these support services is beyond the pale.
“The persistent underfunding of the NHS and care services in the community has put vulnerable people in peril and forcing funders to take impossible decisions at a community level.
“It is unacceptable for the people of North Ayrshire to asked to prioiritise these services and put people into some kind of league table of vulnerability.
“Whether they need cared for at home, or help with a disability, poor mental health, or child poverty, we cannot cut away the safety nets.”
ENDS
