Cost of care under review

A review into the cost of helping Oldham’s disabled and elderly people in their homes is underway.

Labour say soaring costs were a “stealth tax on the elderly and most vulnerable” and caused by the government’s austerity measures - which saw £1 billion cut from council budgets for older people.

Many councils have increased prices year on year, but Oldham has kept its hourly home care rate for carers to help assisted people to get up and get washed, dressed and fed — at £9.50 since 2009/10.

Speculation suggested the cost could double, but Oldham Council has denied the claim.

Councillor Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services, said: “We are currently going through a review as the council pays £12.50 per hour to the home care provider and meets all the administration costs. In the meantime I can assure residents the price will remain the same, and will not increase to £18 per hour for home care.”





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