Derbyshire County Council has been slammed by Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, over the Council’s plans to massively increase how much adults in Derbyshire pay towards the cost of care.

The County Council is considering three overall options for changes to how much people might have to contribute towards their community care. The consultation into these proposals ended last week.

Toby said, “Whilst I appreciate the position the County Council are in, the idea that they are going to claw their way out of the financial blackhole they are in by hitting some of the most vulnerable people in our community is sickening.

All three options put forward for the consultation would see many elderly and disabled people face a significant increase in the contributions they have to make towards their care. These are people relying on pensions and benefits and who are already struggling due to the cost of living crisis.

I am concerned that this will mean many will be forced to reduce the care and support they receive, putting them at risk and making them isolated. This could mean that there health deteriorates, or puts at risk their ability to live independently, and will just increase the cost on health and care services in the long term.”

Toby has now written to Cllr Natalie Hoy, Cabinet Member for Adult Care of Adult Care at Derbyshire County Council, to request an urgent meeting to discuss the results of the consultation and the potential impact these changes could have on vulnerable people.