Derbyshire County have written to all adults receiving community care to inform them of changes that would see over half of them having to contribute more towards their care. Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, has written to Cllr Natalie Hoy, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, to demand clarity for all those who will be affected.

Toby said, “There are over 6,000 people in Derbyshire who rely on adult community care and many of them are amongst the most vulnerable adults in our community. The changes proposed by the County Council will see over half of them see an increase in the costs they pay, some people who currently do not pay anything have to start contributing, and over 10% of people will now be expected to pay 100% of the cost of care.

However, the County Council are not informing people of exactly how much each person would be affected and making it very difficult for people to have their say. They have created an online financial calculator that people can use to work out how they will be affected, but many of the people reliant on these services are elderly, have learning disabilities and may not have the skills or access to use the online service.

I am calling on Cllr Hoy to extend the consultation and for the County Council to contact every individual or their carers to explain exactly how they will be affected by these changes so they can provide an informed response.”

Derbyshire County Council’s consultation ends on Wednesday 4^th October. The public can submit their views at https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/paying-for-care/community-care-charging/have-your-say/have-your-say.aspx or use the online calculator at https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/adult-care-and-wellbeing/benefits-debt-and-legal-matters/betteroff-derbyshire/betteroff-derbyshire.aspx

Toby added, “We have seen a number of Derbyshire County Council’s phony consultations from cycle paths to School meals, the County have created the illusion of consultation whilst leaving people in the dark. These changes will affect some of the most vulnerable people in Derbyshire, many of whom are already struggling due to the cost of living crisis. Whilst I appreciate the pressures on council budgets, I also want to know what assessment has been made on the impact this will have on vulnerable people and their ability to pay their bills. I am worried that many will disengage from the care and support they need if the costs are too high.”