At the Wandsworth Council Health and Social Care Committee last night (31/01/23), Conservative councillors refused to support an increase in charges for the Gwyneth Morgan Day Care Centre given that vulnerable residents are already under increasing pressure from rising prices, other charges being increased, and continuing uncertainty over Council Tax, it was the Conservative group’s view that any increase should be delayed. The vote to increase charges by 7% was won as all Labour councillors supported the administration’s proposals.
When announcing a cost-of-living package recently, the Leader of the Council, Simon Hogg, stated that “we are not prepared to let anyone fall through the cracks”. However, as was confirmed yesterday evening, the administration has failed to consider the cumulative impact of increased charges, calling into question the Labour council’s commitment to this objective.
Cllr Steffi Sutters, the Conservative Group's Spokesperson on Health and Social Care, said:
"Day care centres are a vital resource for many elderly residents and those with learning difficulties and mobility issues, giving them the opportunity to socialise and take part in a range of activities. They also provide unpaid carers with much needed respite and are therefore an essential part of the infrastructure supporting people undertaking this important role. It isn't right that they should be hit with increased charges and Conservative councillors will continue to pursue the matter in the coming months."
